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Water Meters Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012

Tuesday, 6 November 2012

Questions (683, 703)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

683. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding home inspections in respect of water metering (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47738/12]

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Mattie McGrath

Question:

703. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current position in relation to the installation of water meters; when the positions will be put out to tender; if he and Irish Water will be supporting local employment by making the positions available to local plumbers and those who have completed the water meter installation training courses which have been run by development companies throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47976/12]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 683 and 703 together.

The Government has decided that Irish Water, a new State-owned water company to be established as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group, will be responsible for the metering programme.  In addition, the Government has recently approved the preparation of legislation to assign the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake the metering programme.  The objective is to have the Bill enacted by the end of this year. Pending the enactment of the legislation, my Department will be working with the local authorities to progress aspects of the metering programme including the carrying out of surveys of domestic connections. The intention is that the public will be informed of the surveying through advertisements in local and regional newspapers, on local authorities’ websites and other media including radio in advance of the surveying commencing. As the surveying will involve an examination of the service connection located at the perimeter of the property, there will be no requirement to seek access to individual houses. The surveying work will be carried out by local authority staff.

The installation of water meters is due to commence in 2013. Installation contracts will be awarded by Irish Water to private contractors who will be responsible for recruiting appropriately trained personnel to carry out the installation.

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