Water Charges.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2010

Tuesday, 2 February 2010

Ceisteanna (493, 494)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

578 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). [5087/10]

Joe Costello

Ceist:

581 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for metering the domestic water supply; if he proposes to charge for water in all private homes; when the metering system will be in place nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5125/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

I propose to take Question Nos. 578 and 581 together.

As indicated in the reply to Question No. 14 of 14 January 2010, 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 be bringing detailed proposals to Government shortly on the approach to metering of households on public supplies. Where possible, each household on a public supply will be individually metered. Following the phased installation of the meters, all households on public supplies will be charged for water services based on usage. The metering programme is likely to take a number of years to complete.