Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2015
219. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the €100 being provided to all registered members of Irish Water; if it is a rebate to allow Irish Water to be set up as a semi-State company outside of the Government sector as otherwise it would be considered a subsidy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1883/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra220. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the €100 subsidy to non-registered customers of Irish Water is a thank-you gesture as he has stated or a compulsory gesture in order to get Irish Water off the ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1885/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 220 together.
To promote sustainable use of water and to enhance water conservation in households, the Department of Social Protection will administer, on behalf of my Department, a €100 water conservation grant for households (principal private dwellings) that complete a valid response to Irish Water’s customer registration process.
While Irish Water, as part of the transition phase, will have a ‘first fix free’ scheme to fix customer leaks, it is recognised that some leakage may be internal to the house. The €100 annual water conservation grant can be used in this regard to address issues such as leaking cisterns, dripping taps etc. Equally, households can use the grant towards other conservation measures such as the costs of water butts or installing dual flush toilets or rain water systems, de-sludging septic tanks or maintaining wells to ensure operating efficiency.
The water conservation grant replaces the tax rebate and social protection measures previously announced, as it is a more straightforward means of addressing water issues for all households on equal terms and will reduce households’ outlay on water services both now and in the future.
As the Department of Social Protection will administer the grant the process is streamlined and clearer for householders. It is also important that all households have an equal chance to reduce their water consumption in their principal private dwellings. This approach has a number of policy advantages as it makes water charges more affordable for lower income groups; conservation ensures a better use of our water resources and avoids unnecessary or premature expansion of water treatment plants; and it is environmentally sustainable and protects our water environment which is to the benefit of all citizens.
