The European Union (EU) had been “monitoring” the introduction of excess water use charges in Ireland, according to a Department of Housing official. It had been reported earlier this year that plans were under way to introduce charges for excess water use, which Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald had criticised as water charges “by the back door”. A legal provision for charging people for excess use of water is already contained in the Water Services Act 2017, called the household water conservation charge. The island of Ireland is the only part of the EU that does not have metered water charges. A working group on water conservation was set up in 2025 and the first meeting took place in June.

Source: Irish Examiner December 26, 2025 15:15 UTC