The Assembly's Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy, has welcomed the publication of the Independent Water Review Panel's second report.

The report contains the panel's recommendations for the second and final part of the independent review into water and sewerage services.

Strand one of the review, published in October 2007, addressed the costs and funding of water and sewerage services. The second strand focuses on the structures necessary to deliver these services.

-- Advertisement --

The Minister said: "The Executive has already agreed that the Panel's first report has provided a way forward for the fair and sustainable funding of domestic water and sewerage services through its recognition of the contribution households already make through regional rate.

"No double charging will mean significant savings for households compared to the Direct Rule water charges and a commitment to keep water in public ownership will ensure that services work for people here, not for private profit."

Murphy said the Executive will now have to take decisions on the Strand Two report taking into account the views of the Regional Development Committee and other statutory stakeholders.

Once the Executive's proposals are agreed, they will be subject to consultation in Spring 2008.

(GK/JM)