IRISH PEOPLE ARE willing to pay around €83 for water.
This is according to a new study that looks at public attitudes towards the charges.
It was found that while more than a third (39%) were still not willing to pay for water services – the other 61% came up with the figure of just over €80 as the average amount they were willing to pay.
Those without children and individuals from a lower social class were found more likely to be unwilling to pay.
The survey asked Irish adults aged sixteen and over a variety of questions relating to their attitudes towards the charges.
Protests
It was also found that almost a quarter (24%) of Irish adults have attended a water charges protest in the past year.
The research for the figures took place between 20 November and 2 December – meaning that it excludes those who might have taken part in the demonstration on 10 December, which saw a turnout of tens of thousands.
Results
It was shown that men were more likely to attend the protests, with 29% male attendees compared with 20% female.
The age group most likely to have attended were those aged between 45 and 54 years of age – out of which almost a third (32%) had attended a water protest.
The figures also found that people with children and those of a lower social class grouping were also more likely to have attended a protest – with just under a third (32%) of both of these groupings saying they had attended a protest.
Referendum
Individuals were also asked about their view on having a referendum about the public ownership of Irish Water and the prevention of its privatisation in the future.
The vast majority (81%) were in favour of having such a constitutional referendum to ensure that the utility remains in public hands.
These figures come from a new study carried out by Coyne Research that surveyed 1,000 people and balanced respondents according to sex, age, social class and region.
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