FG Councillor apologises for water protest comment

Fine Gael Councillor Laura McGonigle has apologised for suggesting water charges protestors should drink rain water during the Cork leg of the nationwide protest over the weekend. The City councillor says she didn't mean to cause offense but was instead trying to highlight that rainwater is not safe for drinking and costs the State in the region of €1.2bn per year to treat. A group of protesters called on her to resign her seat outside City Hall yesterday evening. Meanwhile the Government is reported to be considering a cap of around €300 for water charges for families with adult children. That would be well below the €424 charge to be imposed on those who fail to register for the utility. The Irish Times reports that the lower charge for families would apply until metering comes in. Today, Cabinet meets ahead of a gathering of the Economic Management Council later this week, which will consider the revised water package in further detail. A final plan is expected to be announced next week.

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