Wicklow Sinn Féin to hold public meeting to demand reduction of Property Tax and on Water Charges

Wicklow Sinn Féin are to hold a public meeting on the issues of the pending Water Charges and to demand a reduction of the Property Tax by Wicklow County Council. The meeting will take place on Thursday 14th August at 7.30pm in the Royal Hotel,Bray.

Speaking ahead of the public meeting Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady said "Sinn Féin is to hold a public meeting on Thursday 14th August to inform people what they can do to start the fight back against the pending water charges and the property tax which has already been introduced. The Property tax which has been introduced by Fine Gael and Labour is hurting ordinary low and middle income families and this is having a knock on effect for local economies. This tax coupled with the new water charges will hit most ordinary families with an annual bill exceeding €1000. We are at a critical time where people have to let their voices be heard."

"Two important things are happening in Wicklow over the next few weeks. Firstly there is a public consultation process being held by Wicklow County Council with a view of setting the rate for the Property Tax. Sinn Féin ultimately want rid of this unjust tax and have pledged to abolish it, if we enter Government after the next election. However in the meantime the only option open to us to to reduce it by the maximum allowed under the legislation which is 15%. The consultation process being held by Wicklow closes on August 25th and members of the public must make submissions demanding that the County Council reduce it by the full 15%."

Cllr Brady continued "The second important thing is the installation of the water meters will commence here in Wicklow in September. The rates have been set and we are now expected to pay the highest charges for water anywhere in Europe. Sinn Féin will stand with communities here in Wicklow in their opposition to the installation of meters by Irish Water, as we have done in other parts of the Country already."

The Sinn Féin Councillor concluded "The meeting on Thursday next is a public information meeting and we plan on mobilising people to make submissions seeking a reduction on the Property Tax by Wicklow County Council and secondly letting people know about the water metering installation process that's due to start and what people and communities can do to fight back. All are welcome to attend on the night."