Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Donnelly argued that costs could potentially be in excess of charges and some points should be borne in mind. One cannot include the €130 million, which is an allowance given to everybody. It is not relevant in comparing costs and charges of Irish Water. The cost of billing and metering is estimated at €22 million. If that is deducted from €271 million, it comes to €249 million. This does not include the financing of the metering programme, which has a long-term financing cost. As I repeated earlier, that is €41 million. One may choose to deduct that and although I would disagree with such action, one may also choose to deduct the €130 million cost of the grant. Even if that is done, revenue exceeds costs as outlined.

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