Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister believe it is fair that farmers should be charged for individual meters? In one instance, a farmer has been charged for the installation and running costs of 13 meters; 20% of farmers have to pay for more than five meters and the majority of farmers, especially those in the west, must pay for at least three meters. Does the Minister think this is acceptable?

Does the Minister believe the commercial users of water should have to pay for the leakage on the public element of that supply? This can happen where the local authority, through a lack of investment, has allowed leakage to occur. Should farmers and commercial users have to pay for the water that does not reach their places of work?

An allocation of €10 million was provided in the budget for the installation of equipment. Does this help cover the cost of the installation of meters and the repair of leaks?

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