Dept of Finance to seek water bills

The Department of Finance is pressing for new water bills on all households this year, according to reports.

Charlie McCreevy is seeking Cabinet backing for a €200 charge and for water meters to become mandatory in all new houses.

These proposals are strongly opposed by the Department of the Environment, with Minister Cullen reportedly against the suggestion.

They have the backing however of a Government committee on assessing public spending.

It would see the introduction of a national €200 flat charge for water, but giving the option of paying by meter.

All newly-built houses would also have to be fitted with meters. It is a bid by the Department of Finance to fund the spiralling cost to local authorities of providing water and sewerage services, estimated to cost €200m a year.