NI Water 'To Cease Meter Installation'

The installation of water meters in domestic properties is to stop.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has said NI Water is to cease further installation of the meters into homes while legislation is brought to the Assembly.

Regulations are required to be brought to the Assembly before the installation of water meters in domestic properties can be stopped completely.

The Minister has confirmed this will be done as soon as possible.

In a statement he said: "I have instructed NI Water not to install any more water meters at domestic properties in the north. In the current financial climate, the continued waste of public money to install meters which will not be used cannot continue.

‎"Regulations are currently being drafted and consultation on these is legally required. Meanwhile I have instructed NI Water to cease this work immediately.

"My officials will now begin consultation on the draft regulations so there is no further delay in dealing with this issue. Regulations will be brought to the Assembly after the summer recess."

Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer welcomed the announcement.

He said: "I welcome the move from my party colleague and Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard to instruct NI Water to stop installing water meters at domestic properties.

"It simply did not make sense to continue to install these meters at new build homes. The money spent on this can be better spent improving the existing water system.

"I also welcome the Minister's commitment that regulations will be brought before the Assembly after the summer recess to completely end the installation of meters."

(JP/MH)