11th December 2014

ICSA president Patrick Kent has said that it would be intolerable if current water charges for farmers were to increase as a result of the formation of Irish Water.

“Farmers have been paying for water for years, either via the public supply system, through group water schemes or through the cost of providing their own supply, and have put up with it,” said Mr. Kent. “However, there is concern that these charges may increase under Irish Water, something that would be completely unacceptable. Farmers must not be used to subsidise cuts to the original planned charges for households.”

“Drystock farmers in particular have taken huge financial hits in recent years, and any increase in their water charges would be a step too far.”