15/05/2003

Feelings boil over at water reform meeting

Water Service workers are threatening strike action following plans by the government to introduce water charges in Northern Ireland.

Matters came to a head on Tuesday night following a public meeting in Belfast when the audience rejected an offer to see a 15-minute video outlining options on how reforms to the water and sewerage services could be funded.

Unions have already threatened to ballot members over the proposals which they say could lead to privatisation.

However, regional development minister, Angela Smith described the initial worries by union members as "premature".

Reforms in Northern Ireland's water services proposed in March, revealed that water charges could cost hundreds of pounds a year for householders.

The £3 billion investment programme will also cost as many as 600 jobs if implemented.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

19 September 2003
Minister urges unions to re-enter water reform debate
NIO Minister, John Spellar has urged trade unions to re-enter discussions with officials on Water Reform which is set to be introduced in Northern Ireland.
04 December 2002
Domestic rate reform firmly on the agenda
Reform of the domestic rating system in Northern Ireland has to be put on the agenda if essential infrastructure improvements are to be made, according to NIO ministers.
04 February 2005
SF and DUP back Water Service staff strike
Sinn Fein and the DUP have lent their weight to plans by Water Service staff to go on strike next Wednesday over proposals to reform the service in Northern Ireland.
15 April 2003
600 Water Service jobs to be axed
Up to 600 jobs are to go within the Northern Ireland Water Service over the next six years. NIO Minister Angela Smith informed trade unions of her decision yesterday saying it was part of the proposed reform of the water service announced last month.
03 October 2023
Report Highlights Quality Of NI Drinking Water
Northern Ireland's drinking water remains at a 'high standard', according to the new Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report for 2022.