Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 340: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to direct local authorities to cap the fixed cost charges for water consumption in order that they do not exceed the usage charge of water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20751/11]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 354: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the implementation criteria for the roll-out of the water connection programme to individual households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21178/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 354 together.

At present the 34 county and city councils are required to recover the costs of providing water services to non-domestic customers.

The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a fair funding model to deliver clean and reliable water. The objective is to install water meters in households connected to public water supplies and move to a charging system based on usage above a free allowance. My Department is currently preparing a strategy to implement these proposals, including plans for the roll out of the water metering programme, and consideration will be given to the approach to fixed costs in that context. Further details will be announced following the Government's consideration of the proposals.