State cuts grants for group water scheme users

Around 500,000 people on rural group water schemes are facing higher water bills after the government cut their annual grant for the first time. The move has led to claims that the government is seeking to recoup part of the cost of the €100 water co

The annual subsidy for a household on a group water scheme has been cut from a maximum of €140 to €95, while the subsidy for a household in a group water scheme which is getting its supply from Irish Water has been reduced from a maximum of €70 to €40.

The money was being paid directly to group water schemes, which will now have to increase their water charges to households to cover ...