Irish Water should reverse 'very unfair decision' in relation to Mayo farmers

Ballina Municipal District in Mayo has been called upon to request Irish Water to reverse a 'very unfair decision' in which they intend billing the farming community for the use of water.

Councillor John O'Hara, who tabled the notice of motion, explained to the October monthly meeting of Ballina MD that Irish Water intends to charge farmers for every meter they have – which could be five, six or more depending on the property layout – and estimate the amount of water they use.

“It's a crime what they're charging with all the water in Ireland,” he stated. “It's very unfair.”

He added that with other costs continually going up as well, it could leave no farmers in the community at all. “We're going too green too quick.”

Supporting the motion, Councillor Seamus Weir said that estimating usage is 'lethal', while Councillor Michael Loftus highlighted an issue in Enaghbeg, Crossmolina, whereby Irish Water want to take over a scheme for 24 houses that has been approved, with funding in place, but say it will cost four times what had been agreed.

“The water in people's houses is black and now they are being told by Irish Water that the scheme is going to cost four times what it was. Why four times more expensive? It's crazy. I do not know what to do for the people of Enaghbeg in relation to this now.”

Tom Gilligan, director of services, advised that the motion was one that could go before a full meeting of Mayo County Council as it wasn't specific to the Ballina MD area.