Sinn Fein U-turn on water charges

Sinn Fein looks set for a major U-turn on its opposition to water charges this week as a European Parliament report authored by a Sinn Fein MEP and clearly calling for the application of water charges is debated by MEPs in Strasbourg later today (Monday).

MEPs are due to vote on Lynn Boylan’s report including paragraph 92 which calls on Member States to ensure they are “providing for the application of a progressive charge that is proportional to the amount of water used” on Tuesday of this week.

“This text clearly suggests Sinn Fein support for progressive water charges, and having been written by a member of the Sinn Fein party, it indicates a U-turn by the party on water charges or a break with national policy at European level,” Mairead McGuinness MEP and Vice-President of the European Parliament, said.

McGuinness, a member of the responsible Parliament’s Environment, Public Health and Food Safety committee, said the move qualifies as a Sinn Fein admission that water charges are necessary to secure a sustainable, quality water supply for citizens in Ireland, and across the EU.

“The EPP Group, to which Fine Gael belongs, will table an alternative motion for resolution to this report which Fine Gael MEPs will support.

“The right to water is absolute”, McGuinness continued.

The Fine Gael MEPs Sean Kelly, Mairead McGuinness, Brian Hayes and Deirdre Clune support the provision of water and sanitation services at affordable prices in respect of people’s right to a minimum water quality.

“Member States have a duty to provide safe, affordable water services but in accordance with the need for local authorities to maintain and improve water services and better conserve resources.

“In fact, the UN has recommended that charges be applied to water services so that authorities can ensure a quality, sustainable supply,” added McGuinness, MEP for Midlands North West.