Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan has said the roll out of water meters to homes across Ireland will begin early next year.
Speaking at the National Water Metering Summit at Croke Park, Mr Hogan said consultants are being appointed to examine how the new national water company will operate.
They will report back by October and the establishment of the company will follow, with the 'pay-for-water' scheme getting under way early in 2012.
The Minister said 'it was not merely a taxing measure' but a system that would protect a 'finite resource'.
The Minister also said metering meant that people would only pay for what they use.
He said the plan also provides employment opportunities and makes Ireland more attractive to foreign investors as water supply would be guaranteed.
