IBEC highlights water charge differences
A study conducted by the employers’ body IBEC has uncovered significant differences in water charges levied on businesses by local authorities throughout Ireland.
The study found that water charges in Longford were the most expensive at just under €8 per 1,000 gallons.
Sligo, Leitrim and Cork were found to have the lowest charges. Businesses in Sligo paid just €2.79 per 1,000 gallons.
IBEC said the study had also highlighted dramatic increases in charges over the past four years, with Limerick County Council increasing its levies by 135% since 2000.
The organisation said it understood that such charges were necessary to fund investment in infrastructure, but added that they should be more transparent.
It said it feared some councils were increasing charges to fill gaps between spending and revenue and called for clear information, a costs breakdown and an urgent review of local authority funding.
