Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a submission on public water utility (details supplied). [11792/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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A public consultation process on the Government's proposals for the establishment of a new public water utility and the proposed approach to water charges and water metering concluded on 24 February. My Department received more than 300 submissions and these are now being considered.

The approach to be taken for the installation of meters in different household types, including those outlined in the Question, is under consideration by my Department. The Government plans to fund the metering programme through a commercial loan from the National Pensions Reserve Fund. In relation to leakage, water conservation measures have been given priority within my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 which provides for contracts for water main replacement/rehabilitation to the value of some €321m to commence in the programme period.