Finian McGrath
Question:198 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied) [35485/10]
View answerThursday, 7 October 2010
Questions (198)
Written answers
The Government's Water Pricing Policy requires local authorities to recover the cost of providing water services from non-domestic users of these services. Businesses can reduce their costs through introducing water conservation measures. Water charges are calculated based on the costs incurred by the local authority in providing the services. The combined water and waste water charge in Dublin City Council for 2010 is €1.72 per cubic metre, while the charges in South Dublin, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Fingal Councils are €1.88, €2.32 and €1.82 respectively. The national average water charge is €2.32 per cubic metre.
In relation to commercial rates, local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. However, I have urged local authorities to exercise restraint in setting the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) in this and previous years and in 2010 Dublin City Council has reduced its ARV by 2%.
My Department continues to keep matters relating to commercial rates under regular review.