Written Answers Nos. 423-440
423. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total number of post offices here that have closed each year, from 2007 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18696/14]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 319 [12182/14] of 11 March 2014. The position is unchanged.
424. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on correspondence (details supplied) in County Kerry regarding broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18737/14]
View answerSince market liberalisation in 1999, the provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is primarily a matter for the service providers concerned who operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The market has developed into a well-regulated market, supporting a multiplicity of commercial operators, providing services over a diverse range of technology platforms. Details of broadband services available in each County, including County Kerry, can be found on a number of commercial websites as well as the websites of individual commercial operators. The State only becomes involved in the provision of services in instances of clear market failure, such as in the case of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). My Department entered into a contract in late 2008 with Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd (“3”) for the delivery of the NBS. The Scheme offers a basic broadband service, in line with EU State aid clearance, to fixed residences and businesses located within certain designated rural areas. I can confirm that the address referred to in the Question is covered by the NBS. Under the terms of the contract, the NBS mobile wireless service currently offers minimum download and upload speeds of 2.3Mbps and 1.4Mbps respectively, subject to a maximum contention ratio of 18:1. The NBS satellite service, which is utilised in a small number of cases for technical reasons associated with the location of the premises, offers minimum download and upload speeds of 3.6Mbps and 384 kbps respectively, subject to a maximum contention ratio of 48:1.
Should any NBS customer experience problems with the NBS service, they are advised to contact 3's customer care centre, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, by phone at 1913 (free of charge), via email to nbssupport@three.ie or by post to 3 Customer Services, Hutchison 3G Ireland Limited, PO Box 333, Dublin 2. My Department has a role where customers have fully utilised the established complaints process and consider that their complaint has not been resolved. My officials operate a dedicated NBS mailbox, which NBS customers can contact by email at nationalbroadbandscheme@dcenr.gov.ie with any comments or complaints they may have about their NBS service. My Department will then liaise with “3” personnel at its Head Office in Dublin to ensure that any service performance issues, which are brought to its attention, are addressed as quickly as possible. I can confirm that to date my Department has had no contact from the customers referred to by the Deputy.
The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August 2012, aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses, including those in County Kerry. This will be achieved by providing:
- a policy and regulatory framework that assists in accelerating and incentivising commercial investment, and
- a State-led intervention for areas where it is not commercial for the market to invest.
Since the publication of the Plan, investments by the commercial sector are underway and in some instances have been accelerated in both fixed line and wireless high speed broadband services. Commercial operators combined have either invested, or committed to invest, over €2 billion in their Irish networks, delivering high speed broadband to homes and businesses. While the commercial developments are welcome the acceleration of investment is largely contained to cities and towns. The speeds that are available in these areas are demonstrably better than those that are available in more rural areas.
On 25 April, I signalled the Government's commitment to a major telecommunications network build-out to rural Ireland, with fibre as a cornerstone of its investment under the National Broadband Plan. This commitment is a clear expression of Government’s determination to address the connectivity challenge in rural Ireland in a meaningful and sustainable way. Central to the strategy will be a fibre build-out to locations in every county in the State identified as having no existing or planned enabling fibre network. It is intended that the fibre will be delivered directly to access points for homes and businesses, where service providers can utilise the fibre to provide high speed services to end users. The fibre build-out will also ensure that fibre is deployed to strategic locations on each route such as schools, business hubs and health facilities. The fibre build out will be part of an end-to-end strategy that will address all parts of Ireland that cannot access commercial high speed broadband services.
I have published a county-by-county list of towns and villages which have already been identified for a fibre build-out. This is an indicative list and is subject to the completion of the comprehensive mapping process currently underway. Further locations may be identified as this process continues. Similarly, it may be determined that some locations on the list will be addressed by the commercial sector and will therefore not require State intervention. The list is available on my Department’s website at www.dcenr.gov.ie. In tandem with the fibre build-out, the strategy will include measures to respond to aggregated community demand for services, and the provision of access services in the most remote areas where fibre rollout may be insufficient to stimulate commercial investment or may be cost-prohibitive.
Intensive design work is ongoing in the Department with a view to publishing an end-to-end implementation strategy later this year, together with the outcome of the mapping exercise which will identify the areas that require intervention. A full public consultation will take place once the strategy is published and EU State Aids clearance will be required for the intervention strategy once finalised. It is expected that the detailed procurement process will take place in 2015 with a view to commencing construction of the fibre network and provision of services as quickly as possible.
I fully share the concerns of local representatives about the quality of broadband in rural areas. I intend to ensure that rural Ireland enjoys similar opportunities to urban areas by ensuring an end-to end market intervention with fibre as a core component. In committing to a fibre build-out at the heart of this strategy, the Government is acknowledging that broadband is the key infrastructure of the 21st century.
425. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are any provisions to allow for a partial refund of a TV licence fee where the licensee was in possession of a TV set for only a portion of the relevant year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18754/14]
View answerA Television Licence is granted under section 143 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to a person to keep and have possession of a television set in a premises or specified place in the State. In accordance with the television licence regulations made under Section 144 of the 2009 Act, every television licence issued is valid for a full 12 month period. While the timing of the commencement of this period varies depending on whether the licence issued is new or a renewal, the period of validity is fixed and the system does not currently allow for the granting of refunds or rebates.
426. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 343 of 11 February 2014, if he will facilitate a face-to-face meeting with both parties in order to ensure that a mutually acceptable resolution is secured [18909/14]
View answerAs outlined in my reply to Question No. 613 of 25 March, the ownership of the telecommunications mast in this case and any legal issues therein are primarily matters for RTE and other parties to the case. Section 98 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides that RTE shall be independent in the pursuance of its objects and as such, I, as Minister, have no function in this matter. However, as the Deputy will be aware, my Department contacted 2rn (formerly RTÉNL) for its views on the matter. It is my understanding that the issue under dispute is currently before the Land Registry for consideration, as the right and proper Authority to make a determination in this case. It would be inappropriate for me to intervene in this process.
427. Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a timeframe for the roll-out of high speed fibre cable broadband in the Kerry Pike area of County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19008/14]
View answer429. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure broadband is provided for all areas of Granard Edgeworthstown, County Longford as residents in that area are trying to run businesses and are unable due to the poor quality broadband service. [19101/14]
View answer433. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be made available in the Lough Gur, Broadford area of County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19174/14]
View answer437. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns of local residents and business operators in areas (details supplied) of County Monaghan regarding the totally inadequate level of broadband connectivity; his proposals to upgrade this much-needed service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19654/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 427, 429, 433 and 437 together.
The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August 2012, aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses. This will be achieved by providing:
- a policy and regulatory framework that assists in accelerating and incentivising commercial investment, and,
- a State-led intervention for areas where it is not commercial for the market to invest.
Since the publication of the Plan, investments by the commercial sector are underway and in some instances have been accelerated in both fixed line and wireless high speed broadband services. Commercial operators combined have either invested, or committed to invest, over €2 billion in their Irish networks, delivering high speed broadband to homes and businesses. For example:
- Eircom is rolling out a €400 million investment in a Next Generation Access Fibre Network that offers speeds of up to 100Mbps. Service is already available to over 800,000 addresses, with planned coverage to reach 1.4 million addresses by 2016.
- UPC has invested over €500m in upgrading its cable network. Over 700,000 homes can already access minimum broadband speeds of 120Mbps and up to 200Mbps. Businesses can access speeds of 500Mbps.
- ESB is engaged in a new project allowing a fibre network to be rolled-out on its existing electricity infrastructure. It is understood that discussions between ESB and Vodafone to form a new Joint Venture Company are at an advanced stage. The company has initial plans to construct a fibre network directly to 450,000 premises outside of Dublin and it is expected that details will be announced over the coming weeks.
- Mobile operators have launched 4G high speed mobile broadband services following ComReg’s multiband spectrum auction. There has also been continued investment by all operators in enhancing and broadening 3G services and network improvements.
- Fixed wireless operators are continuing to invest in high speed point-to-point wireless broadband.
- The broadcaster Sky has entered the broadband market, increasing choice for consumers.
Of the estimated 2.3 million premises in Ireland, approximately 1.4 million are expected to be served by these commercial next generation broadband services over the coming years. This accelerated roll out of high speed services by the commercial sector means that the addressable area required by the State intervention has been reduced by 30% since the National Broadband Plan was launched. While the commercial developments are welcome, the acceleration of investment is largely contained to cities and towns. The speeds that are available in these areas are demonstrably better than those that are available in more rural areas.
On 25 April I signalled the Government's commitment to a major telecommunications network build-out to rural Ireland, with fibre as a cornerstone of its investment under the National Broadband Plan. This commitment is a clear expression of Government’s determination to address the connectivity challenge in rural Ireland in a meaningful and sustainable way. Central to the strategy will be a fibre build-out to locations in every county in the State identified as having no existing or planned enabling fibre network. It is intended that the fibre will be delivered directly to access points for homes and businesses, where service providers can utilise the fibre to provide high speed services to end users. The fibre build-out will also ensure that fibre is deployed to strategic locations on each route such as schools, business hubs and health facilities. The fibre build out will be part of an end-to-end strategy that will address all parts of Ireland that cannot access commercial high speed broadband services.
I have published a county-by-county list of towns and villages which have already been identified for a fibre build-out. This is an indicative list and is subject to the completion of the comprehensive mapping process currently underway. Further locations may be identified as this proces continues. Similarly, it may be determined that some locations on the list will be addressed by the commercial sector and will therefore not require State intervention. The list is available on my Departments website www.dcenr.gov.ie.
In tandem with the fibre build-out, the Strategy will include measures to respond to aggregated community demand for services, and the provision of access services in the most remote areas where fibre rollout may be insufficient to stimulate commercial investment or may be cost-prohibitive. Intensive design work is ongoing in the Department with a view to publishing an end-to-end implementation strategy later this year, together with the outcome of the mapping exercise which will identify the areas that require intervention. A full public consultation will take place once the strategy is published and EU State Aids clearance will be required for the intervention strategy once finalised. It is expected that the detailed procurement process will take place in 2015 with a view to commencing construction of the fibre network and provision of services as quickly as possible.
I fully share the concerns of local representatives about the quality of broadband in rural areas. I intend to ensure that rural Ireland enjoys similar opportunities to urban areas by ensuring an end-to end market intervention with fibre as a core component. In committing to a fibre build-out at the heart of this strategy, the Government is acknowledging that broadband is the key infrastructure of the 21 century.
428. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has any plans to change the law to ensure that Ireland does not sell off any oil venture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19084/14]
View answerTo date the only commercial discoveries of petroleum made in the Irish offshore since exploration began are the three producing gas fields in the Kinsale area, along with the Corrib gas field. To date, there have been no commercial discoveries of oil in the Irish offshore. The Government’s strategy for the exploitation of the State’s hydrocarbon resources aims to maximize the level of exploration activity and increase the level of production activity, while ensuring a fair return to the State. Core elements of this strategy are: maximizing the benefits to the people of Ireland from its indigenous natural resources; providing opportunities and encouraging private industry to take the risk associated with exploration; taking initiatives to deepen knowledge of the potential of Ireland's offshore, in particular through supporting key research projects; and operating a robust regulatory regime. To ensure the maximum benefit for the people of Ireland from Ireland’s potential offshore hydrocarbon resources my Department appointed international experts Wood Mackenzie in March of this year to provide expert advice on the fitness for purpose of Ireland's fiscal terms for oil and gas exploration, development and production. When completed, their work will help inform decisions as to the appropriate fiscal terms.
430. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the process surrounding Bord Na Móna's market soundings from May 2013 pertaining to the development of a clean energy hub; the number of submissions received; who the submitters were; and the result of these submissions. [19118/14]
View answer431. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Bord Na Móna will have any further role in the development of a clean energy hub. [19119/14]
View answer432. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Bord Na Móna is continuing to explore other export markets and the impact this will have on the economy both locally and nationally [19120/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 430 to 432, inclusive, together.
The process undertaken by Bord na Móna to explore the possibility of collaborating with market participants in relation to wind energy export from Ireland to Great Britain was an operational matter for the company and not one in which I, as Minister, had or have a function. Bord na Móna has extensive landholdings throughout the midland counties of Ireland. The peat resource on many of these areas is already fully depleted. The landholdings have potential for other alternative developments. Bord na Móna has, to-date, carried out considerable work in identifying and assessing those parts of its landholding that are most suitable for use in renewable energy developments, such as large scale wind farms. Following the recent announcement that the delivery by 2020 of a Midlands Wind Export project is not now a realistic proposition, Bord na Móna has confirmed that in the absence of an Inter Governmental Agreement between the Irish and British Governments it will not continue to develop its Clean Energy Hub project as envisaged at this point in time. However, the company will continue to assess the most advantageous options for the development of its significant renewable potential, whether for the domestic or possible future export markets. Bord na Móna, through its wind energy portfolio, including the Mount Lucas windfarm and its sister project at Bruckana, will play a critical role in contributing towards the achievement of Ireland's 2020 target of 40% of electricity from renewable sources.
434. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views regarding digital radio dab (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19241/14]
View answerThe Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the development of digital radio in Ireland. This Act gives RTÉ the power to establish and operate a multiplex for the purposes of providing a digital sound broadcasting service and gives the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) responsibility for licensing spectrum in respect of digital sound broadcasting services. In addition, it provides that the primary responsibility for ensuring the development of commercial digital radio rests with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.In regard to the current availability of DAB services in Ireland, RTÉ operates a DAB service from five sites around the country and there is also a commercial trial DAB service operating from Three Rock Mountain near Dublin. In addition, the 2009 Act permits the services of analogue sound broadcasting contractors to be retransmitted in a digital format on UPC and other cable television systems and a number of radio services are available in a digital format via this medium, including RTÉ radio services and those of a number of local and national sound broadcasters. It should also be noted that RTÉ's national radio services and a number of RTÉ digital radio services are available on SAORVIEW and SAORSAT. While there are no plans at present to rollout DAB services on a national basis, the BAI will continue to monitor and consider the potential for the development of digital radio in Ireland. In this regard, the BAI has supported various DAB trials, has organised research and has indicated in its Work Plan for 2014 to 2016 its intention to further discuss the potential for DAB or other types of digital radio services through stakeholder meetings during the period covered by the plan.
435. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on introducing legislation to block children from accessing adult Internet sites on their smart phones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19353/14]
View answerThe protection of children in so far as this issue is concerned is paramount and there are a number of initiatives already in place in this respect, notably through the Department of Education’s resources and support for parents and children as well as the various initiatives carried out by the Office for Internet Safety. It is also essential that children, young people and parents are educated as to the risks that can be found online, that parents and teachers are supported in explaining these issues to children and that the optimal technical solution to protect children is identified. In this regard, there are a range of tools available online to assist parents in managing internet access. The industry also shares in the responsibility to take all reasonable steps to protect children and I have met the Internet Services providers (ISPs) and mobile operators to explore these issues in detail. The industry has already rolled out a variety of measures and resources, with software and other tools available to help parents ensure online safety for their children.
I remain to be convinced that a blanket or ‘default on’ blocker such as that implemented in the UK would achieve the desired ends particularly in respect of smart phones and other mobile devices. I also question whether, in fact, it is open to Governments to impose a blanket or general obligation of this nature on ISPs. What we need to ensure is that the State responds appropriately and in a manner which is effective, workable and respects the rights of individuals. Work is continuing to identify measures which might prove effective. To this end I set up the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group in December of last year. The Group are considering issues such as that raised by the Deputy and will report to me in May. I intend to bring this report to Cabinet and the Joint Oireachtas Committe.
436. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on introducing a seasonal TV licence for a period of three to four months for owners of mobile and holiday homes in view of the fact that many will already have paid the full TV in their permanent residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19415/14]
View answerThe current TV licensing system is underpinned by Part 9 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which sets out inter alia the requirement to have a television licence and the penalties for not having a valid licence. In accordance with Section 142 of the Act, any premises at which a television is located requires a TV Licence regardless of its use. Currently, only one class of licence and one level of licence fee exist and this covers any number of devices so long as they are all in the same property (residential or commercial). In 2011, my Department carried out an internal evaluation of the feasibility and cost benefits of introducing different categories of licence. On foot of this exercise, it was decided to deal with the issues arising in the context of a wider on-going review in relation to the introduction of a household based Public Service Broadcasting Charge. As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government commits to examining the role and collection of the TV licence fee in light of existing and projected convergence of technologies and to transforming the TV licence into a household based Public Service Broadcasting Charge to be applied to all eligible households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device used to access content or services.
In line with these commitments, my Department is involved in the ongoing analysis and policy development work that is necessary in advance of the implementation of any changes that may be required. I am currently considering the results of a public consultation process on the introduction of the proposed Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) Charge. The consultation was based on the outcome of a Value for Money (VFM) Review on the charge, which was conducted by my Department last year. The VFM Review and public consultation will inform proposals which I will bring to Government in due course.
438. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 125 of 27 March 2014, when he expects a detailed response will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19715/14]
View answerThe issue of post office closures is an operational matter for the board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function. I understand An Post will be communicating with the Deputy shortly in relation to the case in question.
439. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider including city and county councils and voluntary housing bodies as part of the Private Residential Tenancies Board remit under the upcoming amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act in order that persons who have issues with these organisations tenants may be afforded the same resolutions as private tenants and landlords have under the remit of the PRTB (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19504/14]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill 2012 is currently before the Oireachtas and will amend the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to provide for the inclusion of the Approved Housing Body (AHB) sector within the remit of the Residential Tenancies Act. The extension of the Residential Tenancies Act to AHB tenancies will provide greater security of tenure for AHB tenants, extend the rights and obligations in the Act to AHB landlords and tenants and provide them with access to the PRTB dispute resolution service. The Bill has passed all stages in the Dáil and S econd S tage in the Seanad. It is expected that it will be enacted by the end of the forthcoming summer legislative term.
While action to deal with anti-social behaviour is primarily a matter for An Garda Síochána, landlords are responsible for enforcing the obligations that apply to their tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. The Act prohibits a tenant from engag ing in anti-social behaviour in, or in the vicinity of, a dwelling to which the Act applies and allows a landlord to terminate any tenancy where the tenant is engaging in or allowing others to engage in such behaviour. A notice period of 7 days applies in the case of serious anti-social behaviour or 28 days in the case of less serious but persistent behaviour. The Act also provides that a third party affected by anti-social behaviour may take a case to the Private Residential Tenancies Board against a landlord who has failed to enforce a tenant’s obligation not to engage in anti-social behaviour.
Unlike AHB tenancies, social housing provided by local authorities is governed by a specific legislative code that provides extensively for the rights and obligations of local authorities and their tenants. The application of the Residential Tenancies Act to local authority dwellings was carefully considered during the drafting of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill 2012. In view of the corpus of specific legislation already in place and the size of the sector that it covers (approximately 110,000 tenancies), it would be a significant undertaking to extend the remit of the Residential Tenancies Act to the local authority sector. Accordingly, the Government’s immediate focus is on the incremental extension of the Residential Tenancies Act to the AHB sector.
440. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if water charges will be imposed on persons who have sourced their own water supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18545/14]
View answer442. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the introduction of a standing charge by Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18552/14]
View answer444. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the water metering of apartments; when this is likely to commence; if it will be possible to have individual metering for all units in an apartment block; when this is likely to be completed; if persons living in apartments will be charged before then; and if so, the way in which this will be done. [18606/14]
View answer446. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government under what process a housing estate can apply for an exemption from water charges for a set period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18649/14]
View answer465. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the benefits water charges will provide to local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18985/14]
View answer469. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he and Irish Water will clarify if the proposed flat rate water charge will apply to persons who own and operate their own private water wells; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19067/14]
View answer472. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any provision will be made by Irish Water for cases where water consumption is likely to be higher than a comparable family unit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19103/14]
View answer489. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the position in respect of water charges, standard charges, and so on; the implications it will have for farmers who have existing meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19423/14]
View answer522. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the free allowances that will be made available for persons with an inability to pay their water charges (details supplied). [19699/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 440, 442, 444, 446, 465, 469, 472, 489 and 522 together.
With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers. The Government considers that charging based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has, therefore, decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies. The Government has committed to the provision of a free allowance, above which charging based on usage would apply. Charges for customers who are not metered will be structured in such a way as to ensure that it represents a reasonable proxy for usage and is fair.
Local authorities are in the final stages of a pre-installation survey of households connected to public water supplies. The survey is providing information to Irish Water on the properties that can be metered. The intention is that a meter will be installed in any household connected to a public water supply where it is technically feasible to do so. Where a suitable boundary box for a water meter has already been installed in a property, this will be identified in the survey. Irish Water has also recently commissioned a study on possible approaches to metering properties that are not part of the current metering programme, including apartments and properties with shared service connections. The findings of this report are currently being assessed by my Department.
Irish Water will not collect charges from any households not connected to a public water supply. Currently, any farm connected to a public water supply is liable for charges as a non-domestic customer, with an allowance provided for domestic use. Following the introduction of domestic water charges, farms connected to public water supplies will be charged by Irish Water for both non-domestic and domestic use, subject to the free allowance to be provided to households in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. There is no process in place where a housing estate can apply for an exemption from water charges for a set period of time. The approach to charging will be outlined by Irish Water in a water charges plan to be submitted by it to the CER in line with the provisions of the Act. The CER will be responsible for approving the water charges plan which will set the approaches to charging domestic and non-domestic customers. The CER will announce its decision on the approved wat er charges plan, which will include details of the levels of metered, assessed and standing charges, in August 2014.
The CER commenced public consultations on the approach to the structure of domestic water services tariffs (for both metered and unmetered properties) and non-domestic water services tariffs on 17 April 2014. Further consultations are planned for June in relation to the water charges plan to be submitted to the CER by Irish Water. Full details of the CER’s public consultation plans are available on its website ( www.cer.ie).
In making its decision on the approval or otherwise of the first water charges plan, the CER will take into account the decisions made by Government on th e funding model for Irish Water. The free allowance and the level of funding to be provided by the Government to Irish Water will have a strong bearing on the net charges to be met by households. Consequently, decisions on these matters will provide greater visibility on the expected level of charges in advance of the final determination of all aspects of the water charges plan by the CER. Proposals on these matters are currently under consideration by the Government. Part of this consideration will be the appropriate method for addressing affordability issues which may arise with the introduction of domestic water charges, particularly for households with high usage due to medical needs.
Water charges bring a number of benefits to communities including the security of a public drinking water supply, increased investment in water treatment and waste water treatment, greater environmental sustainability, increased efficiencies through the creation of Irish Water. The reform of water services delivery will also support economic growth and the creation of employment.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
