Calls have been made in Clare for existing water payment schemes to be examined, now that the water charges debacle is coming to an end.
It comes as the Taoiseach has committed to refunding people who paid their charges by the end of the year – though delays are expected for those who have changed address or in situations where someone has passed away.
Clare FM’s James Mulhall reports:
The Taoiseach’s announcement effectively ends the water charges debacle though it needs EU approval for funds and must pass legislation before it becomes official.
It’s expected that the processing of refunds will get underway this autumn with the vast majority of those who paid their water charges receiving their money before the year is out.
Clare Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway claims the government is taking a logical approach to the situation – but also believes it’s time to take action for farmers and others who have always paid for their water.
However, there are expected to be exceptions.
In cases where a person has moved house since paying the charge, or where a payee has died and the matter will be settled with their estate, delays are to be expected.
Shannon Sinn Féin Councillor Mike McKee says the delays must not be dragged out too long.
It hasn’t yet been revealed how the repayments – which will be up to 325 euro – will be issued but the Taoiseach says the required 170 million euro will come from this year’s purse and won’t effect Budget 2018.
