Picking up the tab for Irish Water

Sir, – Irish Water acknowledges that the company, in taking over existing water services staff, will be overstaffed. The ESRI estimates this will add €65 to the average household water bill. If one applies logic and rational reasoning to this issue – Irish Water’s decision is removing the cost of these staff from the local authorities therefore the Local Property Tax (which funds the local authorities) should also reduce by €65 so the taxpayer will not be out of pocket.

Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, please confirm. – Yours, etc,

SEÁN MURRAY,

Barna,

Co Galway.