PRINCIPAL of Queen of the Universe National School George Darcy said water charges will mean yet another unwelcome cost on primary schools.

He doesn't welcome the new charge as schools are already 'bursting at the seams regarding bills.'

'In our school we are already very water conscious,' he said. 'This will be another cost on schools that hasn't been allocated in a new grant.'

Queen of the Universe is seeking their third green flag this year which has a theme of water conservation which will see each pupil educated on the importance of using water sparingly.

'We already face high bills for heating oil and electricity etc and we could do without any extra costs,' he said.

'We have been used to paying for water for a good number of years, first on a meter, then on enrolment and now back to the meter.

'Schools are just bursting at the seams – we can't afford to pay another bill.'