FF Launch Bill Seeking Exemption For Families With Boil Water Notices

Homes subject to a boil water notice shouldn't have to pay the water charge, a new Bill published by Fianna Fáil has said.

Launched by the party's spokesperson on Environment, Barry Cowen, the Bill is seeking an exemption for families subject to a boil water notice or faced with increased levels of lead in their water pipes.

The Bill, deputy Cowen says, will "offer some respite to thousands of families" forced to purchase drinking water.

"Thousands of families in Roscommon, for instance, have been subject to a boil water notice for over 12 months. It would be grossly unfair and wrong to charge these families for the use of water when they can’t even safely drink a glass of it," the deputy said.

Adding: "Over recent weeks we have heard that schools and homes have had water supplies contaminated by excessive levels of lead; this has the potential to affect 55,000 homes. How can families be expected to fork out hundreds of euro for their water when there is a threat of lead poisoning?

"Our Water Services (Exempt Charges) Amendment Bill 2014 takes into account homes that are subject to boil water notices as well as schools, homes and businesses with increased levels of lead in the water. In these instances, those affected will be exempt from paying water charges.

"People should not be forced to pay for a service which does not deliver. The Government needs to ensure that schools, homes and businesses affected by poor water quality are protected and excused from forking out for water charges.

"I cannot understand why no allowance was catered for in the Government’s Bill for families and businesses that have poor water quality. This should have been a basic part of the Water Services legislation and I hope the Government will see common sense here by accepting my amendments and enacting a Bill that ensures fairness for those paying water charges."

(MH/CD)