Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 9: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when legislation for domestic water charges is expected before Dáil Éireann; when a water metering programme will commence; the way the water metering programme will be funded; the pricing structure for domestic water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9568/10]

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the information available to his Department regarding the estimated cost of installing meters in respect of our public domestic water supply for all relevant housing stock in the country and in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9514/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 16 together.

On 10 December 2009, following a decision by the Government, I informed the House that I would be bringing forward proposals as a priority for the installation of water meters in households. These proposals, which my Department is currently finalising, will give effect to the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government to introduce charging for domestic water use in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied.

The proposals will include the draft legislation to remove the prohibition on charging for domestic water services and will also address arrangements for the delivery of the metering programme, cost estimates and how these costs are to be financed, as well as plans for the development of a pricing structure for domestic water services. I will provide further details on these matters following their consideration and approval by Government.

I am confident that the introduction of a metered charging regime for water services will promote increased conservation of water resources. Reducing consumption will help to reduce the very significant costs currently being faced by local authorities in providing supplies of high quality drinking water and treating waste water discharged into the public sewerage system.