Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is planned to commence the roll-out of domestic water meters; the funding that has been made available to local authorities; the anticipated average cost per house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46975/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment to the introduction of charges for domestic water use in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. Accordingly, I will be bringing forward proposals as a priority for the installation of water meters in households, on the basis that households will be allocated a free basic allowance, with charging only for water use in excess of this allowance.

My Department will now develop the necessary arrangements for the procurement and installation of meters to begin as soon as possible, and will examine the scope to apply smart metering technology in this context. I will be bringing detailed proposals to Government early in 2010. The cost of metering households will vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of meters to be installed, and the restoration works involved in urban and rural locations.