Irish Water has welcomed the Government's announcement regarding water charges and allowances.

"There is a critical need to invest in Ireland's water infrastructure to bring it up to the standards needed for a modern country. Water charges provide an essential part of the investment required," the firm said.

Key points include:

• The average household charge will be around €240 until the end of 2016, with no fixed standing charge.

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• Water usage for children under 18 will be effectively free.

• Every household will receive a free allowance of 30,000 litres of water (and a corresponding allowance for waste water) per year.

• Average charges will be similar whether you have a meter or not. No one is disadvantaged by the timing of meter installation – the assessed charge will be closely aligned to metered usage and a rebate scheme will be in place.

• Households with meters installed will pay for actual usage.

• Other households will pay an assessed charge approximating actual usage, based primarily on the number of adults in the home.

• The pace and extent of meter installation will be increased.

• Free first fix policy – householders who have leaks on their property will have access to this scheme, reducing their water charges and helping with conservation.

(CD/IT)