Delay an opportunity for review of entire water charges project - McCarthy

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th Sep 2005

Alliance Health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy has

called for the delay in the introduction of water

charges to be turned into an opportunity to review the

whole issue.

Speaking after it was announced the introduction of

charges would be put back a year to 2007, the

Strangford MLA stated: 'This delay was entirely

expected, and was something we in the Alliance Party

were working towards. As such we welcome it, but only

in the context that the time is now used to review the

whole issue.

'We in the Alliance Party and the Coalition Against

Water Charges have enjoyed widespread support for our

opposition to the implementation of water charges in

this manner precisely because it affects everyone

negatively. It is unnecessary and unfair.

'We now fully expect a thorough review of how we pay

for water delivery, including how the existing

infrastructure will be brought up to standard prior to

any changes. That is the least the people of Northern

Ireland should expect.'

ENDS