Written answers

Thursday, 25 November 2010

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Local Government Funding

5:00 pm

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 10: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the new initiatives he plans to aid local government funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44269/10]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The renewed Programme for Government contains commitments to introduce a new system for the financing of local government, ensuring the viability of local services, and that Government policy for the reform of Local Government is implemented. The Programme further commits to the introduction of charging for treated water use that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied.

The revenue base of local authorities was broadened in 2009 by the introduction in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 of a charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is payable in respect of private rented accommodation, holiday homes and other non-principal private residences. As at 22 November 2010, the non-principal private residence charge had raised €66,871,580 in respect of 2009 and €63,252,880 to date in respect of 2010.

It is intended that volumetric water charges for domestic customers will be introduced from 2014. The introduction of water charges will be preceded by a programme to install water meters in all houses connected to public water supplies.

A dedicated Cabinet Committee has been engaged in finalising the policy decisions for inclusion in the White Paper on Local Government. I intend to publish the White Paper as soon as possible following completion of the Government's deliberations.

The National Recovery Plan 2011 – 2014 published by Government yesterday sets out the future initiatives, in the context of the State's overall financial position, to put the funding of locally delivered services on a sound financial footing, improve accountability and better align the cost of providing services with the demand for such services. The immediate funding position and associated measures in the period ahead form part of next year's Budget which will be presented by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, on 7 December.

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