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Water Charges Introduction

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 November 2013

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

Questions (450, 460)

Barry Cowen

Question:

450. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has contacted the water services section in each local authority with regard to the collation of information on a water infrastructure national audit; the current status of the national audit of the water infrastructure; the timeframe for its completion and publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49158/13]

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Catherine Murphy

Question:

460. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if money for the first fix free policy on behalf of Irish Water in respect of water leaks was included in the recent budget allocation for Irish Water; if so, the amount; if this facility will be introduced in advance of water metering and charging; the way the scheme will operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49296/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 450 and 460 together.

The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to the introduction of water charges based on usage above a free allowance. The Government considers that charging based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has, therefore, decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies. The Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigns the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake this metering programme. A pre-installation survey is currently being conducted by the local authorities to provide further information on the scope of the metering programme, such as the identification of those properties which already have boundary boxes and meters installed. Over 1.2m properties have now been surveyed. As part of the metering programme, my Department, in conjunction with Irish Water, is currently working on a proposal regarding customer-side leakage. Implementation arrangements have yet to be worked out with Irish Water.

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