Sinn Féin's Eoin Ó Broin TD has criticised a proposed excessive use charge for water, claiming it "makes no sense".

Irish Water has secured approval from government for their funding plan to 2024. Included in the plan is €39 million over five years to be raised via a charge on excessive use by domestic customers. 

Deputy Ó Broin has hit out at Irish Water, stating it will cost more to collect the charge than the charge will raise.

He said: "There is also no evidence that many of the households that will be charges are excessively using water. Many will be pensioners living in older properties who do not have the money to fix leaks. This is not fair.

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"According to Irish Water's own data household water consumption in this state is one of the lowest in the OECD.

"Irish citizens use an average of 123 litres per person per day, compared to England where people use on average 140 litres, in Italy its 250 litres, while in Sweden its 200 litres.

"Sinn Féin from the outset has opposed the charge for so called excessive use on these grounds. We also believe it is the thin end of the wedge for the future introduction of universal metered domestic water charges.

"The government should focus on assisting households in reducing leaks rather than punishing people with an expensive charge. 

"However the biggest waster of water is Irish Water itself with 47% percent of water is wasted through leaks in the public system.

"Rather than wasting money collecting an unfair charge the government should be increasing investment in reducing leakage in the public system."

(CM/MH)