It's Emerged That Irish Water Could Be Given Permission To Hike The Water Charge If Demand Is Lower Than Expected.

It's emerged that Irish Water could be given permission to hike the water charge if demand is lower than expected.

The Commission for Energy Regulation is considering the move, if it was deemed necessary to meet the costs incurred by the company in running the water network. It's also warned that the water charge may rise in times of drought or other shortages. However, in a statement this afternoon, the Department of the Environment says it envisages that water charges will be fixed until the middle of 2016 The CER says it expects to begin a public consultation on the tariff structures in Quarter 2 of this year, with a decision in the third Quarter. It says the charge will be based on a number of factors - including the quality of Irish Water's service, its commercial viability, as well as how Irish Water measures up with water providers in other countries.