Water charges are just one more opportunist tax

I have always welcomed the idea of metered water charges after a reasonable free allowance. After all, I don’t want to pay for water in swimming pools I can’t use.

Unfortunately we have received the gift of a charging system that is neither reasonable or fair.

Aside from the fact that the allowance is insufficient, we have the ridiculous situation whereby a family of four adults have less of an allowance than a neighbouring family comprising one adult and one pre-teen child.

Throughout the country we have grandparents who mind their grandchildren, not for money but out of love. The additional allowance for the children goes not to the grandparent who minds the children throughout the day but to the parent.

What could have been a fair charge is just another tax. Will the Government at least ensure that those who have swimming pools will have meters installed before charging commences? It would clearly be inequitable to have such houses granted a flat rate while those with meters are charged on usage.

Thomas Burke, our house as well as ultraviolet and a five-stage osmosis system for drinking water.

The filters cost €5 a time and the ultraviolet tube, changed yearly costs €100.

I would gladly pay for decent water if I wasn’t doing so already.

Margaret Sneddon,