Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has performed a cost benefit analysis on the feasibility of a national water metering scheme; the findings of that cost benefit analysis; if he will provide information on any feasibility studies performed on his or the Government's behalf of the financial costs of a national water metering scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21638/11]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding water meters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21684/11]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 240 together.

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 comprehensive strategy to implement these proposals and the approach to be taken for the procurement and installation of water meters. Work is also underway on the development of a cost-benefit analysis of the various options for the metering programme. Further details will be announced following the Government's consideration of the proposals. The Government's objective is to deliver the metering programme in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.