Michael D Higgins TD

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Schools could face increase of 100% in water bills

Issued : Thursday 21 January, 2010

The 1st of January 2010 saw the start of metered water charging in every school across the country. Based on a Labour Party survey of water charges, schools in County Galway face a hike of over 80%, and their counterparts in Galway city a hike of over 40%, in their water bills if water conservation measures aren’t introduced immediately.

Under the old system, schools were charged a flat rate of €4 per pupil per year. In a typical primary school of 250 pupils, this would work out at €1,000 per year. Now that metered water charges are introduced, a school of this size in County Galway would face an annual water charge of €1,800 and a school in the city €1,400.

The Department of Education estimates that each pupil uses an average 3.5 cubic metres of water a year, but says that 2.1 cubic metres should be best practice. If this could be achieved, water charges would not see any significant increase on the previous flat rate system.

Commenting on the new regime, Deputy Michael D Higgins said: “Recent budget cuts are putting enormous pressure on schools in Galway city and county. Many schools already have to fundraise to ensure that children have basic school materials and these hikes in water charges will be an intolerable strain for schools trying to make ends meet.”

“Given recent water shortages, conservation is high on everyone’s minds at the moment. It is essential that the city and county  council engage directly and immediately with local schools so that they understand the new situation with water charges and to inform them of practical steps they can take to minimise their costs.”

“It has become quite clear that Galway’s water infrastructure requires significant ongoing investment avoid shortages whenever there are adverse weather conditions. We have seen a massive population increase over the last decade, but basic public services have often struggled to keep pace with these developments. Recent government directives have effectively limited the ability of local authorities to use development levies collected in previous years to invest in much needed infrastructure.”

The message is clear: conservation is key.”