Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for a national water metering campaign; if a flat water charge will be introduced before a metering programme is complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37503/10]

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the discussions between his Department and the Department of Finance regarding the implementation of water charges; his views regarding water charges; his further views regarding the fairest and most efficient method of collecting such charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37555/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 102 together.

My Department is finalising proposals to give effect to the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government to introduce charges for water services in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. The proposals include the approach to be taken to the installation of water meters in households connected to public water supplies and to the development of a pricing structure for domestic water services, they will also address the arrangements for the collection of water charges. I will provide further details on these matters following their final approval by Government. My Department has been in regular contact with the Department of Finance, and with other Government Departments, during the development of these proposals.

The installation of water meters in households connected to public supplies will encourage householders to conserve water and will result in savings in the significant operational costs faced by local authorities in providing water and waste water services. It will also complement the significant increases in investment on water conservation measures in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 which I announced earlier this year.