PUBLICANS SAY they will charge customers for tap water if local authorities continue to increase water rates.
Pub owners attending the Vintners Federation of Ireland’s (VFI) agm in Carlow yesterday said water rates had increased by 300 per cent in some counties last year.
“My water bill has gone up from €2,400 to €9,000 when this year’s rates are paid,” said Gerry Rafter, who runs Rafter Dempsey’s pub in Kilkenny city.
“I know of hotels in Kilkenny where rates risen from €36,000 a year to €90,000. I can’t just turn around and raise the price of my services by 300 per cent.
“Imagine if I put up the price of a pint to €12 or €15, I’d be out of business.”
Mr Rafter added: “Charging for tap water is not a road we prefer to go down but if local authorities continue to raise water charges, it is something we will have to look at.”
DARA DeFAOITE
