NO DEFINITIVE plans have yet been drawn up to introduce water rates, but a final Government decision will be made “on the basis of detailed proposals which must be worked up”, according to Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

He said proposals for charges required “further detailed consideration” but it cost local authorities €730 million to provide water and waste-water services last year.

“The revised programme refers to introducing charging for treated water use that is fair, that significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. That is the detailed work that must now be proceeded with,” Mr Cowen said.

He was responding to Labour leader Eamon Gilmore, who said that in 1999 the estimated cost to put a water meter in every house was £1 billion. The cost now was probably “the guts of €2 billion”.

Mr Cowen said “the whole purpose is to try to provide a prospect where, over time, we can find the means by which we can pay for the provision of water and waste-water treatment, which is very considerable”.

The Labour leader asked “what level of water charge would be necessary to raise money if one has to spend almost €2 billion metering them in the first place?”

Mr Gilmore was concerned that “we could be informed in six or 12 months’ time that the cost of metering is very high, that there are practical difficulties associated with the allowance, and that the Government would go ahead with the introduction of a flat water charge”. He demanded an assurance that “the Government will not introduce a flat water charge in advance of metering and in advance of putting in place a minimum water allowance for every household” and a waiver system.

Mr Cowen said “detailed work must now be done to work up and design a scheme that would provide for the attainment of this objective over time”.