768 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 279 of 7 December 2010, when the analysis of the tendering options to ensure the delivery of a cost effective metering programme will be completed; when works will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48428/10]

As indicated in the reply to Question No. 279 of 7 December 2010, the introduction of water charges for domestic customers will be preceded by the rollout of a national water metering programme to install meters in households connected to the public water supply.

Work is underway in my Department to advance the key tasks necessary for the delivery of the metering programme, including the approach to procurement, with the aim of delivering the programme in the most cost effective manner and to secure its substantial completion over the next three years.