The government have officially confirmed that a new legislation has been passed in the Dail last night that will see the public having to pay their outstanding water charges.
The new measures were introduced as part of an amendment to the Environment Bill which was installed back in 2014. The new legislation however was not approved by all government ministers, with many opposition TD’s heavily criticising the coalition saying they “rammed the legislation” through the house as the bill was guillotined. The new legislation did however receive the required vote passing by 63 to 35 votes.
It is believed that the new bill will now be quickly processed through the Seanad. The new bill will see tenants being obligated to pay their water bills, whilst landlords are required to inform Irish Water of the identity of their tenants.
The legislation will also see homeowners not being able to profit from the proceeds of the sale of their home if their water charges are not paid. Under the new bill homeowners will be required to pay their outstanding charges before they sell their home.