Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 557: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason community groups are being charged water rates in view of the fact that they are not businesses and in the process of applying for charity rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8910/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive, local authorities are required to recover the cost of providing water services from all non-domestic users of these services, by means of a meter based volumetric charge to ensure water charging of users according to actual consumption. The only exemption from water charges provided for in Irish legislation, and constituting established practice at the time of adoption of the Water Framework Directive, relates to use for ordinary household purposes occurring in dwelling houses. As community groups do not fall within this exemption they are liable to pay water charges.