Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

Reducing unnecessary water use reduces the operational costs of providing water services as well as providing longer term savings in respect of capital investment. Reducing unnecessary water use reduces the operational costs of providing water services as well as providing longer-term savings on capital investment. The details on the level of charges, free allowance and affordability issues have not been decided upon. However, as is the case for other providers of utility services, Bord Gáis will be required to have a range of options in place to assist householders who have difficulties in paying their bills. The economic regulator, with the Government, will be responsible for determining the cost of water services and ensuring efficiencies are delivered so that the cost of providing the service to the consumer is kept to a minimum.

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