From '˜Derry Journal' of November 19, 1991
Water charges in Donegal may face a 100 per cent increase next year, if a proposal by the County Manager, William Maloney, gets the go ahead. Following the recent publication of the Council’s draft estimate of expenses for 1992, the Council are determined to drastically cut the number of its debtors.
According to Mr Maloney: “The public continues to make demands for improved services, many of which are justified, and to a large extent council have been responding to these demands without due regard to our ability to meet the cost.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“In addition to this council are not being paid the monies, which are properly due in rates, water charges, refuse charges, etc, and our debtors are at an unacceptably high level.”
Domestic water charges in Donegal currently stand at £40 per annum, which Mr. Maloney claims is by far the lowest in the country and although he has requested the charge be increased to £80, he suggested that the increased charge will probably still be the lowest in the country.
Mr Maloney also said that the level of collection of water charges in Donegal is very poor, and this, he maintained, had a detrimental effect on the council’s finances, because of failures to pay.
Secondary treatment works for Buncrana?
Buncrana Councillor Sinead MacLochlainn has called for secondary treatment works to be provided for the town.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSpeaking at the recent monthly meeting of the Council, Colr. MacLochlainn said that while Buncrana had a “good” treatment works it could have a “better one.”
Calling on the new Minister for the Environment to provide such a facility for the town, Colr. MacLochlainn added that the replacement of old pipes in the new scheme, at a cost of £5,000 to £7,000, should be a priority.