Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 599: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the mounting feelings of discontent amongst farmers and their families over what some feel is discrimination, whereby local authorities are introducing water charges on farms, with these charges including installation and maintenance of the meter; his views on whether these additional charges will impact severely on farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35349/06]

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 627: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is official Government policy or guidelines on the cost to the customer of installing water meters on their property, or if this is a matter for the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35633/06]

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 628: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in the case where a number of connections are required on a farm, there is a Government policy or guidelines on the cost to the farmer of installing a number of water meters on their property, or if this is a matter for the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35634/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 599, 627 and 628 together.

Water services providers are required to recover the cost of providing water services from all non-domestic users of these services in order to comply with the EU Water Framework Directive. This requirement of cost recovery from the non-domestic sector extends to the provision of meters, which are necessary to ensure that water charges to users relate to actual consumption and to incentivise all non-domestic users, including the farming community, to manage and conserve their use of water.

I am having the charging arrangements for water meters examined in the case of multiple fragmented small farm holdings.