Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government is considering the proposals I have brought to the Cabinet on the funding model for Irish Water, including on the level of Government subvention. Proposals include measures on the affordability of water charges, in particular the provision of a free allowance in accordance with the commitment in the programme for Government. Full details will be announced following the completion of consideration by the Government.

The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water is required to submit its water charges plan to the Commission for Energy Regulation for approval. The free allowance and the level of funding to be provided by the Government for Irish Water will have a strong bearing on the net charges to be met by households. Consequently, decisions on these matters will provide greater visibility on the expected level of charges in advance of the final determination of all aspects of the water charges plan by the Commission for Energy Regulation. The commission will announce its decision on the approved water charges plan in August.

As part of the metering programme, my Department is working in conjunction with Irish Water on a proposal regarding customer-side leakage, the implementation arrangements for which will have to be worked out with Irish Water.

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