9 October 1997 Edition
Water rates protests escalate
In an unprecedented situation Clones Urban District Councillors are in dispute with the County Manager over the issuing of warrants for non-payment of water rates. The councillors voted by a 7 to 1 majority in support of a Sinn Féin motion calling on the Clones UDC to withdraw threats of court action from 30 people who have refused to pay their water rates. It is estimated that 75% of households in Clones have refused to pay water rates.
Despite the vote the County Manager has said he will proceed with the court actions, which are due to be heard on Wednesday 15 October.
Sinn Féin Councillor Peter McAleer, who proposed the motion, said it is ``a scandal when politicians are on the fiddle and with tax amnesties, that ordinary people are being dragged through the courts to pay this unjust double taxation.''
Despite the vote the County Manager has said he will proceed with the court actions, which are due to be heard on Wednesday 15 October.
Sinn Féin Councillor Peter McAleer, who proposed the motion, said it is ``a scandal when politicians are on the fiddle and with tax amnesties, that ordinary people are being dragged through the courts to pay this unjust double taxation.''