The Right2Water campaign has said that the Government’s "failed Budget attempt to ameliorate the impact of water charges" shows that the water tax cannot be reformed and must be scrapped.
Tax refunds to offset water charges were announced in the Budget today, as was an increased household benefits package of €100 to alleviate the water charge cost.
The citizens’ campaign group said: "In a panicked response to Saturday’s Right2Water demonstration, the Government today added a new anomaly to its crumbling water tax edifice by introducing a tax credit and extending the Household Benefits package.
"It leaves hundreds of thousands of low earners who do not earn enough to pay tax, and will not qualify for the Household Benefits package, empty handed."
Around 100,000 people marched against the water charges in Dublin on Saturday.
Right2Water said: "Clearly, the Government is out of touch and has underestimated the anger at these unfair water charges. When you factor in that the tax credits will apply in retrospect – meaning nobody will benefit next year – it will mean our campaign will only grow."
They said that water charges will be the number one political item in the run-up to the next general election.
Thyey said: "Even before the first water bills flutter through letter-boxes, the Government’s water charges policy is a shambles. It’s time for them to admit defeat, abolish the charges and go back to the drawing board. Until they do, Right2Water pledges to continue to provide a platform for the massive citizens’ opposition to this regressive double taxation."