Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 518: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason farmers are being asked to pay such high levels of water charges, in view of the fact that they do not require ultraviolet, chlorinated or fluoridated treated water for their cattle and sheep; his views on whether it is fair that farmers must pay such rates as farmers do not fix their prices, the buyer does; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18041/08]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 519: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on meeting with farmers to discuss the issue of water charges with farmers who have refused to pay charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18042/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 518 and 519 together.

Local authorities are required to recover from non-domestic water consumers the costs incurred in the provision of water services to those consumers in accordance with the polluter pays principle and the requirements of Article 9 of the EU Water Framework Directive. The requirement for non-domestic consumers to pay for water services supplied applies regardless of the use to which the water is put. Public water supply schemes provide only treated water to their customers so it would not be practicable or appropriate to attempt to supply a lower quality of water to farm customers.

In addition, a sufficient supply of good quality water is essential to dairy farming for example, in view of the potential for impacts on milk quality. Dairy farmers are a major beneficiary of the significant levels of investment in water services under the National Development Plan which has resulted in improved quality of water from both public and rural group water schemes.

I have met farming representatives on two occasions within the past year on a number of issues, including water charges.