Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We welcome the regulator's decision that a free annual allowance of 30,000 litres will be issued for water usage in every household and an additional 21,000 litres for every child under 18. Those who live alone, of whom there are many, will have approximately 40% of their water needs provided by the allowance. They will pay €138 per annum, or less than 50 cent per day. The 411,000 recipients of the household benefits package, including pensioners, carers and disability benefit recipients, will receive an additional allowance of €100 per year to assist with water costs. Charges will be capped for people with particular medical conditions who may require the use of a higher volume of water.

The regulator has changed the condition in respect of boil-water notices. There will be no payment required until 24 hours after the lifting of a notice.

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