Warnings for excess water use to be issued in the new year

The long-planned system of charges for an estimated 80,000 households with excessive water use has been repeatedly delayed, due to government fears of a political backlash

Irish Water has estimated that 10 per cent of households will have to pay the charges unless they repair leaks on their property.

Householders are to get warnings in the new year to reduce their excessive use of water if they want to avoid annual water charges of up to €500.

The long-planned system of charges for an estimated 80,000 households with excessive water use has been repeatedly delayed, due to government fears of a political backlash.

But it is to be rolled out early next year, with warning notices being sent to the households whose excessive water ...