Gormley rules out flat-rate water metering

The Environment Minister John Gormley has ruled out flat-rate metering when he introduces water charges.

The measures, which are expected to be brought into law in the next couple of years, will see water metres put in every home and business in the State.

Mr Gormley said that they have to be fair when introducing the new scheme.

Mr Gormley said: "I believe that in terms of an environmentally sustainable basis, paying on a meter basis is by far the fairest way."