Written answers

Wednesday, 5 March 2014

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Water Charges Administration

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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122. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the amount water will cost and according to what measure under the newly established Irish Water; the rate of VAT that will be charged for water bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11017/14]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government sets out a commitment for the introduction of water charges based on usage above a free allowance. The Government considers that charging based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has, therefore, decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies. With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services. The Act also provides that the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) will be responsible for the independent economic regulation of Irish Water. The CER will be responsible for protecting the interests of customers and the charges levied by Irish Water will be subject to the approval of their water charges plan by the CER. Local authorities have been instructed to continue with all of their current charging regimes on behalf of Irish Water, pending the consideration by the Commission for Energy Regulation of a water charges plan to be developed by Irish Water. Thecurrent VAT exemption for supplies of water by local authorities will also apply to supplies of water by Irish Water.

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