In what can only be described as absolutely ridiculous, Fine Gael’s Cork South West TD Jim Daly wants everyone who didn’t pay their water charge bill to get billed €10 a month for the next 12 months at least.
Quite frankly the Government have no idea how to handle the outstanding water charge debt. They are between two stools in terms of giving people their money back who did pay, and with the other hand are still holding out on whether water charges will be reintroduced next year.
However, Daly didn’t hold back and was adament anyone who didn’t pay will definitely be paying. He told the Examiner:
“The billing cycle at Irish Water has been paused, not ceased or discontinued.
“I suggest a penalty for late payments similar to the €10 per month added to the NPPR [non primary private residence] charge on second homes, which would focus minds and result in a significantly increased payment rate.
“The already legislated for attachment orders which allow for deductions from State payments would kick in on all bills which exceed the €500 threshold, thereby ensuring full compliance,” he said.