Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
Water Charges

Dublin residents halt water meter installation in protest against charges

Local councillor, Ruth Coppinger said it is “scandalous” that so much money is being spent on water meteres when there is a need for a serious upgrade in the water network.

RESIDENTS IN THE Littleplace area of Dublin 15 disrupted the installation of water meters today in a protest against charges due to be introduced next year.

The residents, as well as members of the Anti Austerity Alliance, disrupted the work for two hours.

Speaking at the protest, local Socialist Party councillor, Ruth Coppinger, said : “It is scandalous that more than half a billion euro is being spent installing meters when the need for serious upgrade of the Dublin water network has been headline news this week.”

On the estate today, we witnessed a brand new fleet of vans, new barriers, diggers, uniforms – a massive outlay of money from the taxpayer in order to charge people for water and eventually sell the network to private companies. Imagine if this money had been invested in upgrading the water pipes and finding secure sources of water for Dublin into the future.

She said the protest was to send a warning to political parties that they will pay the price electorally next May if they persist with “this austerity tax”.

Also at the protest today were Socialist TD Joe Higgins and MEP Paul Murphy:

The Anti Austerity Alliance plans more protests and public meetings against water charges and austerity generally throughout the next months, it said today. It’s next local meeting is in Kavanagh’s, Laurel Lodge, Castleknock on Thursday 7 Nov at 8pm.

Dublin residents halt water meter installation in protest against charges
1 / 6
  • Water meter protest

    Members of the Dublin 15 branch of the Anti Austerity alliance march through the Bramblefields estate.Source: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • Water meter protest

    Members of the Dublin 15 branch of the Anti Austerity Alliance protest beside Irish Water workers.Source: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • Water meter protest

    Socialist TD Joe Higgins talks with staff of Irish Water.Source: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • Water meter protest

    Socialist MEP Paul Murphy pictured at a protest organised by the Anti Austerity Alliance.Source: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • Water meter protest

    Source: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • Water meter protest

    Socialist TD for the Dublin 15 area Joe Higgins.Source: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland

Read: Water restrictions will be in place until “at least Thursday”>

Read: Roscommon residents still waiting for contaminated water fix after six months>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
89
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.