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Sligo Schools Could Face Massive Increase in Water Bills

Cllr Jim McGarry, Mayor of Sligo, is continuing to raise public awareness of the new financial burdens being placed on schools as a result of metered water charges.

Cllr McGarry told SLIGO TODAY, “The 1st of January 2010 saw the start of metered water charging in every school across the country. Based on a Labour Party survey of water charges in each local authority area, schools could face an average increase of 100% in their water bills if water conservation measures are not introduced immediately.

"Unless water conservation measures are taken to reduce consumption, schools could face massive rises in their current water charges. Our schools are already overburdened financially and struggling to cope, to hit them with these extra charges is unfair and unjust.

"I would ask therefore that we as a County Council do all we can to help. This would include asking the County Manager to write to all schools in the area informing them of the new metering charges. I would also ask that he includes in this letter information about writing to the Department of Education and Science’s Summer Works Scheme for funding to install water conservation measures in schools. I would also ask the county Manager to advise all schools as to how they can reduce their water consumption and hence save money.

The Sligo Mayor continued, "Minister for Education and Science Batt O’Keeffe has repeatedly told schools to make their capitation grants stretch further. This is just one example of where schools will have to face higher costs but with no extra help from the government to cover the cost. There were no increases in the capitation grants for schools in last December’s budget.

"Under the old system, schools were charged a flat rate of €4 per pupil per year. In a typical primary school of 250 pupils, this would work out at €1000 per year. Now that metered water charges are introduced, schools could face an average cost of €2005 a year.

"The Department of Education estimates each pupil uses an average 3.5 cubic metres of water a year, but says that 2.1 cubic metres should be best practice. However, even if best practice is achieved, the average charge for a school is still likely to be €1,203 per year. That’s an average increase of 20% on the 2009 flat rate and still a big increase in costs to schools.

"I am calling on the Minister to ensure local schools will be informed by local authorities of what practical steps they can take to minimise their costs and that they understand the new situation with water charges. It’s important to ensure that the running costs of schools don’t spiral out of control as the new term begins.” Cllr McGarry concluded.

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