If you were of the unfortunate people who paid the water charges and now look likely to be out of pocket – there may still be a way to recoup your money.
Irish Water is dead – water charges are about to be binned, at least for the next number of years at least. The final total was roughly a 50/50 breakdown as to who paid and who didn’t.
If you paid for the start, well, that money looks certain to be gone now, but if you happened to just pay within the last 8 weeks and via direct debit – there is a good chance you can get your money back.
The loophole ruling under the Single European Payments Area (SEPA) Direct Debit Core Scheme Rules and SEPA Reglation 260-2012 means consumers can request a refund for any direct debit within 8 weeks from the date on which the direct debit was debited from their account. The request must be made to the customer’s bank.
Irish Water have declined comment on whether this is doable – but The Liberal can confirm this IS possible, so if you have only just paid by direct debit, get into your bank in the morning.