Vol. 237 No. 4
asked the Minister for Local Government under what authority Laois County Council propose to charge owners of business premises in Stradbally, Laois, at the rate of 2/6d per thousand gallons of water consumed, plus a meter rent of 15/- per half-year; what powers he has in relation to proposals of this kind; and whether such charges will be of general application throughout the county of Laois.
48.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the proposal of Laois County Council to charge owners of business premises in Stradbally, Laois, at the rate of 2/6d per thousand gallons of water consumed; and whether he will take steps including if necessary the introduction of legislation to ensure that a charge free allowance is made in respect of purely domestic consumption by the families living on the premises concerned.
With you permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.
Under the provisions of section 7 of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1962, sanitary authorities are empowered to fix separate charges for water supplied by them for domestic and other uses. The fixing of water charges in the case referred to by the Deputy is entirely a matter for the Laois County Council and I have no function in the matter.
