Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 356: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the position of households nationally who have joint water supplies with their neighbours; if any data exists as to location of same; if the divide between urban and rural areas is known; if he will assure such residents (details supplied), that no additional costs will be imposed on them with the introduction of water charges over and above houses with an individual supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12407/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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As indicated in the reply to Question No. 144 of 29 February 2012, 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. Census 2011 asked households to provide information on the type of water supply they receive but householders were not asked if the supply was shared with other households or if their house was located in an urban or rural area. The Central Statistics Office will be publishing Census data on housing and households later this year.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 357: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a proposal regarding Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12415/12]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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It is proposed that Irish Water, although a national company, will have a regional and local focus, and a phased transition is proposed to ensure continuity of service and the building of a fit for purpose organisation within a reasonable timescale. No decisions have been made as yet in relation to the Headquarters of Irish Water.

My Department is currently examining the submissions received during the six week period of public consultation initiated by the Government on water sector reforms. These submissions will be taken into consideration in developing the implementation plan for the transition of water services functions from the city and county councils to Irish Water. The plan will, amongst other things, take account of the work being undertaken by my Department and NewERA on whether, and in what manner, skills within the State sector can be harnessed for the successful implementation of the proposed water sector reforms. It is expected that this implementation plan will be finalised in April 2012.