The demise of the prematurely spawned monster that is Irish Water seems closer than ever these days, as the company’s multiple shortcomings become apparent to all.
Today, it has emerged that EU officials are scrutinizing the so called “water conservation grant” due to concerns that it amounts to a bribe whose only goal is to get people to sign up.
The matter was raised by Independent senator Gerard Craughwell on foot of the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which was passed in the Seanad yesterday 20 votes to 14. The bill allows for public money to be freely transferred to a private utility “by proxy” to pay for the conservation grant.
Similar concerns were raised by opposition politicians, such as senator David Cullinane, who questioned the reasons why the cost of administering the fund is yet unknown.
With massive demonstrations planned for the near future, and the recent revelation that the company’s total debt inches closer to €1bn, dark clouds indeed hang over Irish Water.