Vol. 555 No. 1
185 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the direction his Department has given to local authorities regarding the installation of water meters in premises used for commercial purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17550/02]
249 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has issued a directive to local authorities to employ independent contractors for the installation of water meters in the water supply services; and if he has issued a directive that private contractors be used to maintain the meters as well as the plants for water and sewage services. [17633/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 249 together.
In accordance with Government policy, local authorities are required to complete the metering of all non-domestic water services customers by 2006.
With a view to assisting implementation of this requirement by local authorities, my Department is providing limited financial support for a pilot metering project in Sligo. It is intended that this pilot will act as a national demonstration project for local authorities generally and provide comprehensive guidance on all aspects of metering. In this regard, an initial set of guidance notes was circulated to authorities in July 2002.
The practical arrangements to give effect to metering, including in respect of procurement options, are a matter for each relevant local authority. Circular letters, in December 2000 and July 2002, suggested, however, that, in this context, consideration should be given to a public-private partnership approach or some other form of outsourcing which might extend to some or all of the following elements: meter provision, installation, maintenance, reading, etc.
