Charges countrywide vary widely

CHARGES for water and other domestic services vary greatly, depending on where one lives.

Water is still free in Dublin and Limerick cities, for example, whereas in Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown it costs up to £95 and in Co Limerick £100.

The cheapest water outside these two cities is in the Sligo borough area, which is this year charging £28. Residents in Sligo county, on the other hand, face a bill of £110.

Waterford city is the most expensive place, with a maximum charge of £150. Co Waterford is close behind, at £140. Laois and Donegal County Councils each levies £130.

Refuse collection is either free or has been privatised in many towns and counties. But charges can be anything up to the £80 levied by Tipperary South Riding.

Sewage services are still free in most places, but where they are not, it can cost anything from £10 (Carrick on Suir, Co Tipperary) to £60 and £61 (Cons Cavan and Wicklow respectively).

When charges are totalled, the most expensive county council areas to live in are Cavan and Mayo (£200 each). Killarney, at a valuation based maximum of £193, is the most expensive town, just ahead of Cavan (£190) and Tralee (up to £172).