471 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the charge that would have to be applied in respect of water charges for the Exchequer to save at least €3 billion without cutting social welfare, reducing child benefit, or introducing a property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38474/10]

474 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the length of time it will take and the cost of installing water meters at each customer's location here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38473/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 471 and 474 together.

The renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce charges for water in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. Proposals are being developed by my Department on the approach to be taken to the installation of water meters in approximately 1.2 million households connected to public water supplies.

The metering programme is likely to take a number of years to be completed but every effort will be made to roll it out in as short a time period as possible. My aim is to ensure that, once meter installation commences next year, we will have a significant proportion of the programme completed in the first two to three years.

The overall cost will be dependent on the types of water meters and associated equipment chosen for use and the method of installation to be employed. I will be analysing the various options to ensure the delivery of the metering programme in the most cost effective manner. I will provide further details on these matters following their consideration and approval by Government.

Households charges for metered water supply will be based on volumetric usage so the bills incurred by a household will be directly related to their consumption levels. No decision has been taken yet on the charging structure or on the rate that householders will be charged so I am not in a position to provide an estimate of the potential revenue that might be generated.