Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:903 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to reintroduce household water charges; and the timescale envisaged. [1937/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 19 January 2010
Ceisteanna (834, 835)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:904 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to have water meters installed in all homes here; the way he will implement this; the estimated cost; they way it will be paid; and the timescale envisaged. [1938/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 903 and 904 together.
As indicated in the reply to Questions Nos. 283, 287, 288 and 302 to 304, inclusive, of 17 December 2009, the renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce charges for domestic water use in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. I will bring forward detailed proposals to Government shortly on the approach to metering of households on public supplies, including proposals on the financing and delivery of the metering programme. Legislation will also be drafted to provide local authorities with powers to charge for domestic water use. Following the installation of water meters, which will be phased in over a number of years, households will be charged for water services based on usage.