Kelly: Water charge changes will quell public anger
Environment Minister Alan Kelly has said that the Government’s new water charge regime will end public anger against the levy.
Minister Kelly was speaking ahead of this morning’s Cabinet meeting where Ministers will sign off on plans to delay all charges until January.
The new regime is understood to be capped for at least four years and will see single-adult homes pay €76 euro per year, with households of two or more adults paying €176, taking into account a €100 rebate available from the Department of Social Welfare.
Speaking this morning Minister Kelly declined to comment on those reports, but did say that he believes the changes will end public anger.
"We've listened to the people," Minister Kelly insisted.
"I think a lot of mistakes were made (and) I've been very open about that.
"I think it's time now to put a package to the people that I believe will bring reasonable people with us.
"Water has to be paid for. We need investment at a level not seen before. Irish Water needed to be set up. Setting up Irish Water was not a mistake."
