New water charges which will come into effect in May 2020 look set to affect over 80% of Irish farmers. However, it is unclear as to how farmers in each county will be affected, and who will be hit the hardest.

A new pricing structure from Irish Water will see water charges for usage and connections equalised across all counties.

Currently there are over 500 different pricing levels across the country for connections (standing charges) and usage (volumetric) charges.

Irish Water’s analysis indicates that 83% of connections will see their annual bill decrease, stay the same, or increase by less than €250. Only 17% of connections will see their bill rise by €250 or more, it said.

Pricing

Farmers using less than 1,000m3 of water per year (band one) will have a connection charge of €43.76 per year and a usage charge of €1.87/m3. Those using between 1,000m3 and 19,999m³ (band two) will be charged €113.31, with a usage charge of €1.30/m3.

Teagasc data shows a 100-cow farm producing 5,000l of milk per cow per year will, on average, use 3,200m3 a year, putting such farms in band two.

Denis Drennan of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association’s (ICMSA) farm and rural affairs committee said the change to charging will level the playing field for every dairy farmer.

“There will be winners and losers. The losers will be anybody paying less than the national average at the moment,” he said.

The Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers’ Association’s (ICSA)rural development chair Tim Farrell said that suckler and beef farmers are going to be hit by the changes.

“In most cases farmers with multiple meters are liable for the first meter and the usage on others. There will be massive hikes in some counties with low usage rates,” he said.