Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 May 2014
134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which it is expected that the original costs in respect of provision of water services per household as identified by his predecessors are likely to be reduced in any final decision in respect of the charge to be applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19892/14]
View answerWith effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.
The Government is currently considering proposals in relation to the funding model for Irish Water, including the level of Government subvention. These proposals include measures to support the affordability of water charges, including the provision of a free allowance in accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government. Full details on these matters will be announced following their completion of their consideration by Government.
The free allowance and the level of funding to be provided by the Government to Irish Water will have a strong bearing on the net charges to be met by households. Consequently, decisions on these matters will provide greater visibility on the expected level of charges in advance of the final determination of all aspects of the water charges plan by the CER. The CER will announce its decision on the approved water charges plan in August 2014. In making its decision on the approval or otherwise of the first water charges plan, the CER will take into account the decisions made by Government on the funding model for Irish Water.
