Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 494: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on the introduction of water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11065/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a fair funding model to deliver clean and reliable water. The Memorandum of Understanding with the EU, the IMF and the ECB also contains commitments for the reform of water services delivery and operation and the introduction of domestic water charges.

To meet these commitments, the Government intends initiating a universal water metering programme in advance of the introduction of water charges. This will facilitate moving to a charging system for domestic water users that is based on use above a free allowance as provided for in the Programme for Government. A procurement strategy for the metering programme is currently being finalised. A public consultation on the Government's proposals for reform of water services delivery in Ireland, including metering and water charges, recently concluded and my Department is currently examining the submissions that were received.