Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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643. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding water and property charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15605/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The introduction of domestic water charges is an important element of the funding model and is necessary to drive increased investment in water services infrastructure.

A new water charging regime was announced by the Government on 19 November 2014. The capped annual charges will be €160 for single adult households and €260 for all other households until the end of 2018. All households will know what their capped bills will be until the end of 2018, which is particularly important for larger households or those with high usage due to medical needs.

In addition, a water conservation grant of €100 per year will be available to qualifying households. The Department of Social Protection will administer the grant on behalf of my Department, which will be available to households (principal private dwellings) that complete a valid response to Irish Water’s customer registration process.

The charges structure was revised with a view to making it simpler and fairer, providing more clarity and certainty to households.  The overall cost for those who register with Irish Water, net of the €100 water conservation grant, is either €1.15 a week for single adult households or €3 a week for all others. Water supply will not be reduced under any circumstance.

Local Property Tax is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance, and the Revenue Commissioners.