Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014
367. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the situation for persons on a private group water scheme in respect of water rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6204/14]
View answer381. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if concessions will be made for residents who have their own wells as part of the new water rates to take into account the additional costs these home owners incur to pump water, including electricity costs and the cost of repairing and maintaining pumps, as against those households with a public water supply which do not have these expenses; if so, the way this disparity will be reflected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6427/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 367 and 381 together.
The Programme for Government sets out a commitment for 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. Households served by group water supplies or by private wells will not be metered as part of the metering programme. Group water supplies already bill their domestic customers and households served by private wells will not be subject to water charges.
My Department will remain responsible for the overall policy and funding, where appropriate, of the non-public water sector . Over the past decade, substantial improvements have been made in the group water sector, reflected in improved infrastructure and management and leading to greater compliance with drinking water standards. This has been accomplished through a partnership approach between my Department, the local authorities and the group water sector itself, with the important involvement of the National Federation of Group Water Schemes. This co-operative approach will be maintained as the reform of water services provision is progressed.
