Sinn Féin to Protest Against Water Charges Today

Sinn Féin to Protest Against Water Charges Today

Cork Sinn Féin will be holding a protest against the proposed introduction of water charges in the next budget today at 1pm in Daunt Square. The event is part of a national day of action on the issue, involving Sinn Féin members and public representatives across the country.

Speaking in advance of the protest in Cork, Cllr Chris O’Leary, the leader of the Sinn Féin group on the council, said:

“The government’s proposal to introduce a flat-rate household charge from next year is grossly unfair. It will be another regressive tax which, like the Universal Service Charge, will fall most heavily on the least well off. Families who are already struggling with unemployment, reduced pay, increased mortgage payments and higher energy bills cannot carry this extra burden.”

“Advocates of water charges claim they are needed to make householders save water and reduce waste – but the biggest waste takes place in the mains water system, before it ever reaches the taps. Figures in the city council’s 2010 annual report showed the amount of water being lost in the system increased last year from 51% to 55%.”

“Moreover, the plans by Fine Gael to transfer responsibility for water supply to a new utility company show plainly that privatisation is the next step in their agenda.”

“Sinn Féin is completely against the imposition of domestic water charges. The fact is there are obvious alternatives – fixing our leaky water mains, and encouraging water-harvesting and grey-water recycling in homes. Today’s protest is only the first step in our campaign of opposition to water charges and the privatisation of local services.”

For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307