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Water consumption rose in same month charges suspended

Water charges were suspended in May
Water charges were suspended in May

Water consumption rose earlier this year when charges were suspended.

Figures released to RTÉ News under the Freedom of Information Act, show that there was an increase of 5% in the amount of domestic water used in May, the same month as it was agreed that charges should be suspended while an expert commission was established to examine the issue.

Irish Water said the increase in consumption could be due to seasonal fluctuation as May was particularly dry in some parts of the country.

Other than May, the figures show that the removal of metered charges did not hugely change consumer behaviour for June and July.  These are the most recently available figures.

The report of the expert commission on water has recommend the removal of water charges for normal household usage.These would be paid for by the State out of general taxation. 

Excessive use would be paid for by consumers.

The future of water charges will ultimately be decided by a Dáil vote expected next Spring.

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Simon Coveney has said he hopes that the report will be a basis for a reasonable and detailed conversation, so that we can move towards a final picture of how we fund domestic water infrastructure.

Fianna Fáil finance spokesperson Michael McGrath has said his party will not be adopting a final position on the funding of water until the special Oireachtas committee completes its work.

Labour's Jan O Sullivan has indicated her party would be happy with some aspects of the report. 

She said most important would be a referendum to retain public ownership of Irish Water. 

Ms O'Sullivan also said that Labour is in favour of charging for the excessive use of water by householders.

However, she admitted this was a change in position from when Labour was in government. 

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