asked the Minister for Local Government the statutory authority by which Dublin County Council charges for water supply to domestic consumers; if he is aware that consumers in newly-built housing schemes consider that the charge is excessive; if the charge in the extra-municipal area is higher than that charged elsewhere; and if he will make inquiries with a view to ensuring an equitable rate of charge for consumers in all areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Charge for Water Supplies in County Dublin.
22.
Dublin County Council in common with other sanitary authorities is empowered by Section 66 of the Public Health (Ireland) Act, 1878, to charge for water supplied by them to any premises. I am not aware that the charge in Dublin county health district is considered excessive. The amount of the charge in any area is a matter for the sanitary authority concerned, and I have no power of intervention. In regard to the charge to domestic consumers in the extra-municipal area, where the supply is from the Dublin Corporation, I understand that, in general, it compares favourably with the rate in the remainder of the county health district.
Is the Minister aware that the charge in the extra-municipal district is higher than the charge for water supplied to houses in the municipal area?
My information suggests that, while it is not quite clear because of varying methods of calculation, it is not the case that there is a greater charge in this particular area. In fact it would seem to indicate that the charge may be less but, as I have said, it is not conclusive.
Perhaps the Minister would cause inquiries to be made with Dublin County Council with a view to seeing that a uniform rate of charge is adopted throughout on an equitable basis?
I shall put the idea before them but, as I said, I really have no power of intervention in this matter as Minister for Local Government.