Water Meter Sabotage

by fred Thu Jan 16, 2014 18:53

Yeah you're right.

We should just be good little sheep, do nothing, bend over, drop our economic trousers and take it right up the ass yet again. As good irish folk do.

After all, we are no longer a society of human beings. We now exist solely to work every day until we reach 68 (or die) in order to to prop up european gambling banks and to enrich vulture capitalists and their political cronies who are hoovering up all our property and public assets and utilities at firesale prices after their leveraged buyout of Ireland.

by Sensible Thu Jan 16, 2014 18:26

This proposed action makes no sense.

Who will pay for the remidial work required to the holes?

Answer the taxpayer (You me and everyone else)

There is no doubt that people that are caught doing this will be charged, as they are interfering with public property.

So a bit of common sense is required in the Republic of Ireland this type of stunt serves no one.

by T Wed Jan 15, 2014 21:21

If people collect rainwater, it is quite likely it will be deemed illegal and I am sure there will be something about water quality used to prevent people from doing this. Having said that, rainwater collection would be ideal to use for toilet flushes and low grade usage like that, or for storing for periods in the summer when the garden needs it. It is unlikely though that more than a tiny fraction of people will do this, so therefore it doesn't change anything especially those at the mercy of the profiteers who just want to gouge people of their money.

As for property taxes, people would object a lot less if our income taxes were reduced by approximately the amount of the property taxes. Instead in a period of recession, they increased income tax in the form of the USC, various levies, reduction in social spending, increasing fees for a range of services, and then of course introducing the Property Tax, to be followed by the Water Tax. They would also object less if it was seen that corporations paid their fare share of tax which they don't. As we know from recent scandals, with Apple, Google, and Starbucks, none of them even pay the pathetic low rate of corporation tax, they are actually paying substantially less.

Also your points do not take account of the fact that people should be entitled to a basic minimum amount of fresh clean water per day at no cost.

by Uisce do gach eine Wed Jan 15, 2014 12:16

People in rural area should consider reviving family wells that fell into disuse when group water schemes became commonplace during the '60s and '70s. Everybody in rural and urban areas should catch rain water in barrels.

by Brian Wed Jan 15, 2014 11:22

Having read the comments here - and seen what you propose to do, there seems to be only 1 person on this site with any degree of sense - Rational Ecologist.

Water charges WILL happen. Why do what is proposed here and increase the costs. Yes I think everything that is going on is a disgrace - especially when you see another E50M thrown away on 'consultants' fees.

Would it not be better to try and live independently - set up a rain water collection and stop bitching.

In the states property taxes and water charges are a LOT more than is proposed for us to pay.

Solution - conserve, conserve, conserve. Yes it will still cost you money, but there are ways to reduce the amount, and I think there is no harm teaching people that they can turn off taps, gardens DON'T need to be watered and so on. If you use it - pay for it.

by Rational Ecologist. Thu Feb 21, 2013 13:04

I am afraid I am one of those people who believe that a modest charge for water is appropriate and desirable, especially if it encourages people to moderate their water usage.
The welfare state has encouraged people to live lives that they cannot afford. If you want to have 4 or 5 children, do not expect the state to subsidise that. Make the rational decision to plan your family based upon what YOU can afford.
The unfortunate thing about these charges is the timing, those in massive negative equity-like myself-being asked to pay a house tax. We should have been paying those charges, and broadening the tax base years ago. Even if we didn't have to bail out the banks the criminal/mafia bonholders, the state is still insolvent.
Sabotaging water meters is all very well but isn't a solution and isn't addressing the issue.
Take a look at the opinion polls: FF are zooming up the ratings. It's enough to drive you insane, however, it is the conservative nature of Irish people that is, in part, responsible for the mess we are in. Irish people want centre right parties(FF,FG,Labour) and until that changes, we are, to some extent, getting what we deserve. We, as a people, have consistently voted for the policies that predominate the history of the state. Post colonial, or what?
To overcome the state, try to live, as much as one can, independently of it. Welfare and the consequent dependency culture is a trap.

by Bobby Wed Feb 20, 2013 19:56

Love the action, hope it inspires many more acts...

by admirer Wed Feb 20, 2013 00:13

Well done on this, i think a little intro piece and maybe an outro would benefit this worthwhile mesage and call to action, outlying where the meters are found, by who and when, size of pipe and an outro mentioning ones legal standing if caught etc and also tips and guide on not getting caught

by adam Tue Feb 19, 2013 17:21

I wish it was as simple as boycotting the water tax. Really i do.

However the property tax is less legitimate and they know it too.

It scares them when they see people protesting the property tax,they know they are in a weak position,the council already get their money from PAYE for all council stuff.

The level of PAYE should be lower as a result of this tax,and rubbish and water charges should be included in this erronious ''property tax''.

This is purely a scam.

Ive seen potholes down the end of my road that still need doing

by Water Tax Boycotter Tue Feb 19, 2013 16:27

wow. This is a great inititiave by éirígí.

A simple guide that deserves to be shared widely.

Come one people, Boycott the Water Tax!

by adam Tue Feb 19, 2013 15:15

Not letting taps run when brushing teeth i think is one of the most obvious ones..

by none of your business Tue Feb 19, 2013 15:12

If you pitch together with neighbours you can control your own water,all you need is to share a few tanks for the week,it can be done with the right planning permission and the right backing,go to a neighbourhood watch meeting and bring the topic up,see if everybody is in agreement to pitch in a few euros each per year.

Aside from that ,you can reduce your own water intake by not letting the taps run when washing dishes,use the same dish water in a basin for the whole 3 days(not after 3 as it gets stagnant and builds up germs).

Another thing i would advise people to collect rainy water in buckets and tanks on rainy days,there is plenty of water to catch,you can even make your own makeshitf water collecting devices if you put your mind to it.

by John of the Waters Tue Feb 19, 2013 12:54

Great job on the video éirígí . I have showed it to a few people and we will be buying a bag of cement at the weekend .

Any plans on the property tax ?