Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
695. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider a rebate for new water and electricity connection and reconnection fees for a stated window of time for first-time buyers subject to occupancy clause of seven years as a measure to help incentivise the renovation of currently uninhabited or derelict properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40415/21]
View answerGovernment policy in relation to electricity matters is led by the Minister for Environment,
Climate and Communications and electricity connection charges and charging arrangements are subject to independent regulation by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
In relation to charges for connections to the public water services systems, there are no plans at present to introduce a rebate scheme along the lines suggested.
Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning and delivery. Irish Water's charging policies, including in relation to connection charges, are subject to approval by the CRU, in its statutory role as the independent economic regulator of Irish Water.
Part V of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013, in particular sets out the CRU's responsibility for the determination of the charges, including connection charges, and charging arrangements, that apply to customers of Irish Water. The CRU determination on the appropriate charges and charging arrangements that apply to new network connections are set out in its detailed decision paper on Connection Charging available on its website at www.cru.ie. My Department has no role in the matter.
On the broader question of incentivising the use of uninhabited or derelict properties, it is worth noting that my Department is committed to ensuring that existing housing stock is utilised to the fullest extent. The National Vacant Housing Reuse Strategy, as published in 2018, includes a range of measures and supports, including the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the Buy and Renew Scheme, and the Bringing Back Homes Manual for the Reuse of Existing Buildings, designed to assist in bringing vacant housing stock back into use.
