All those people on social media who put “won’t pay” in between their Facebook name or Twitter handle don’t look so stupid now.
Irish Water has confirmed that the number of people paying their water bills has more than halved.
Irish Water say that households paid €18.3m for drinking supplies and waste water treatment during January to March as new bills were sent out in April and May when the Government announced plans to suspend charges for nine months.
The figure is down from €33.4m for the previous three months before the election. called.
Irish Water say that out of some 989,000 customers, 65%, paid their domestic charges in the first five billing cycles and 14,000 customers paid something for the first time during April and May
“Government has confirmed that any shortfall in funding from domestic charges during their suspension will be provided to Irish Water by the Exchequer,” Irish Water said.
“This will allow Irish Water to continue to deliver on its business plan.”
The company said customers remain liable for any bills racked up prior to the suspension of charges, but people are hardly running to pay them judging by the fact water charges have been indefinitely kicked into touch.