Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I am sure the chief executive officer of the new company - I understand it will be Mr. John Tierney - will confirm that figure for us if and when necessary. As it stands, a €600 million capital investment will be required and the cost of installation of meters will be, taking the most commonly used figure, €500 million. Operational costs are estimated to be approximately €1 billion. I believe the cost will be higher and that the new company will not do the job as cheaply as the local authorities. Taking all of those figures together, households will be faced with colossal bills. This issue has not been addressed to date, including by the Minister of State today.

See this speech in context