DUBLIN CITY COUNCILLORS last night voted to defer the transfer of assets to Irish Water, saying that they were “extremely concerned” about the deal.

At a special meeting of the council last night, a report was presented that showed that the council would hand over €2 billion worth of assets,  but retain €330 million worth of pension liabilities.

In a motion that was passed, councillors say that they wished to meet with Environment Minister Phil Hogan.

Hogan had declined a request to attend the meeting, which showed that water charges for businesses in Dublin city will be increased, but the council will be unable to compensate business owners for the increase.

The transfer of the assets is due to take place on 1 January, but the Service Level Agreement has not been agreed between Dublin City Council and Irish Water.

This, the council claims, is because they have yet to see the final draft of the agreement.

Fianna Fáil councillor Mary Fitzpatrick said that she felt Hogan was pushing the legislation through.

“The Minister is railroading legislation through the houses of parliament this week which will directly impact Dublin cities commercial competitiveness.

Through his legislation the Minister is dictating the disposal of more than €2billion worth of assets, removing democratic input into the future provision of services, saddling Dublin City Council with €330million pension liability and providing no guarantee that water services will not be sold-off and/or privatised in the future.

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