Sir, - In considering the case of those whose water is supplied by Group Water Schemes your correspondent Gearoid de Faoithe (January 8th) quite rightly points out a possible inequity in the abolition of water charges and their replacement by the provision of monies for this purpose from increased Road Tax funding. However, he does not mention at all those people in rural areas who pay income taxes, road taxes, etc., but who have to fund their rubbish removal, sewage storage and disposal and provision of water supplies themselves.
In many rural households the provision of a water supply involves firstly the professional identification of a satisfactory water source and afterwards the digging of ground, the construction of a well, the installation of plumbing and the connection of pumping equipment. There are often additional costs where water filter systems are required, and the ongoing maintenance and replacement of equipment is, of course, part of the scene. Since water pumps are electrically fueled there is also the 24 hour a day, 365 days a year charge for electricity used. No help is offered either centrally or locally in the provision and/or maintenance of this service nor can the cost be offset against income tax liability when assessment is made. It is also the case that those who were most vociferous in stating the "right" of urban water consumers not to incur "double taxation" were unwilling to consider the inequity suffered by these country cousins.
I am certain that Mr Howlin is aware of this situation and is not expecting the many Irish citizens who are already fully financially responsible for the provision of their own water supplies to pay for the water in cities and towns and if he frees the urban consumer from any linked cost I hope he will provide the necessary subsidies or grants to those I have described. - Yours, etc.,
Trim,
Co. Meath.