Written answers
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
Water Charges
9:00 pm
Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 483: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if persons will be able to pay up front for their water meters; and if so, will they then not have to pay the regular instalment on their bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25016/12]
Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Government considers that charging based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies.
Irish Water, a new State-owned water company to be established as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Eireann Group, will be responsible for the metering programme. In common with meters for other utility services, the meters will be the property of Irish Water.
In keeping with international practice regarding water metering, the meters will be installed at the boundary of the property, most typically on the footpath at the front of a house. Households will not be charged an upfront charge for the water meter. However, similar to other utilities and the approach adopted in the metering of non domestic customers, it is likely that there will be a charge included in bills to cover the metering programme.
The framework for water charges, including the level of any standing charges, will be determined as part of the regulatory process.
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