Mr. John Mullins:

In terms of the total cost of installing a meter, replacement is most probably the cheapest part because no civil work is being done and the boundary box is not being installed. One is using the existing infrastructure and replacing the meter.

I refer to disconnections, an issue I commented on in my formal presentation and which was commented on in the committee's report in June. It is not usual in other jurisdictions to have full disconnection of a domestic customer although there might be a reduced flow. At this point the thinking is that there will be no disconnections. However, we will put in appropriate channels in terms of equal pay approaches, direct debit, paperless billing and all other channels available to customers. These will all be available from the start, on 1 January or 1 July, whichever date in 2014 is chosen.

I spoke to the chief executive of Bord na Móna last week when we both attended a conference. I am familiar with the project in the midlands. There is no doubt that whenever there is additional industrial activity on the eastern seaboard or each time an IDA client comes to Ireland those concerned are looking at fundamental aspects of any district or region - energy, sustainability and water supply. For example, expansion in Intel, in County Kildare is, in itself, a significant draw on the eastern seaboard water take. There is expansion in the agrifood sector. Currently all the queries that come to us in the gas business come from that sector, and deal with expansion. That will drive water usage and consumption nationwide, both at an agricultural and a processing level. We are at a very interesting point whereby our water consumption and demand, not only on the east coast but right across the country, will come under significant pressure. To meet that requirement works will be needed in numerous locations, and not only in Dublin.

We had an engaging encounter with the Dublin authorities. As members know, the Dublin authorities are conjoined and act as one authority. They communicated to us that there are issues. The committee's report quotes Professor Convery on the realisation that we are heading for a security of supply issue in the Dublin area. Projects such as that of Bord na Móna must be looked at seriously. Desalination is not an option in this country. Although it may be an option in places such as Abu Dhabi or Dubai it should never be an option in the case of the east coast and midlands of Ireland.

The Deputy suggested that one specific project should be endorsed by Irish Water. There may be other projects that wish to enter the fray although I am not aware of any others. However, a project of such a size in water terms, involving €450 million, which is similar to the figure I mentioned in regard to metering, is something I would assume would come through the stewardship of this committee and go all the way to the Cabinet sub-committee on infrastructure, as we have had to. However, there is need for such a project. The solution put forward as being least costly is one whereby water is taken from an area that is enriched and given to an area that is not as enriched.