A SIX-WEEK PUBLIC consultation on changes to how Ireland manages its water services began today.

Minister Phil Hogan has said that 90 per cent of homes will have metres installed by 2014 when charges will set in.

A new State-owned utility called Irish Water will take over responsibility for the delivery of water services and up to 2,000 jobs will be created.

The Minister previously advised that providing households with unlimited supplies of water free of charge is unsustainable. The OECD has also criticised Ireland for its failure to charge on the basis of usage, stating that there was zero incentive to save water and minimise waste.

So the Government, the EU and the OECD believe charging for water is a good thing. However, a campaign against water charges has been set up as opponents of the move believe it is not about the environment but more about raising revenue.

Today we are asking which side of the debate you are on.

Are you in favour of water charges?