Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Obviously, there are clear environmental and economic benefits that can accrue from reducing demand for water and the subsequent and expensive treatment of raw water for human consumption. Large-scale rainwater harvesting systems, as Members already have mentioned, already are used by some schools, factories and other buildings and have been incorporated into a number of private developments. The Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2011 amended the planning regulations to facilitate rainwater harvesting in agricultural buildings and so on. There are no grants for rainwater harvesting and nor will there be, given the present economic circumstances. The introduction of water meters and charges based on usage will provide an economic incentive for households to consider investing in a rainwater harvesting system. I studied some of the relevant literature myself last night and it is easy to have rainwater harvesting incorporated into new buildings when one is building. As for retrofitting, one can get a water butt for €40 from Dublin City Council. This means that for €40, a homeowner can buy a rainwater harvesting facility that can store water and which can then be used for different uses in the home.

I have not read the paper to which Senator Ó Clochartaigh referred. However, all the information I have received from all sources indicates the opposite, which is that the introduction of meters significantly reduces the demand for water. Everything I have read everywhere indicates this but if the Senator can share that information with me afterwards, I certainly will check it out.