The Government have confirmed that the recent €270m payment to Irish Water has nothing to do with the suspension of charges but instead it has been issued as part of the utility’s infrastructure and development plan.
It is believed the issuing of the funding comes after the company filed documents earlier this week that will see the Government receive shares in exchange for the money which will be used to improve water networks across the country.
According to RTE News the Department of Finance have confirmed the funding came from the Central Fund and the payment was not connected to the decision to suspend water charges.
The massive outlay will see the Government fork out almost €400m in funding before the end of the year as both the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Ministry for Finance Paschal Donohoe have confirmed refunds to those who paid their charges will be paid before the year is out.
The Government say although the large outlay will be a one off payment it will not effect this year’s upcoming budget and any shortfall will be covered in 2019.