Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014
353. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to install water meter readers in homes for persons who will have difficulty accessing the meter outside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26649/14]
View answer368. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the rights of persons to access water meters outside the curtilage of the homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26728/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 368 together.
The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to the introduction of water charges based on usage above a free allowance. 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 Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigned the company the necessary powers to allow it to undertake the metering programme.
Most meters for public utilities are located at the point where the connection enters the household. In the case of water services, under the provisions of the Water Services Act 2007, households’ pipes internal to the boundary of a property are considered the responsibility of the householder, and thus water meters are being fitted at the stopcock at the boundary of the property. As this is located on publicly accessible land, it minimises disruption during the installation programme and also in terms of meter reading in due course as access is not required to people’s homes. Meters will be read automatically and the information will be provided directly to customers in their bills. Any unusual usage patterns can be discussed with Irish Water if the householder is concerned. Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that all the water meters in use by Irish Water comply with the Measuring Instruments Directive. In all customer communications, Irish Water asks any householders with any disability, mobility or medical concerns to contact its call centre (1890 278 278) in advance of the meter installation so any additional support or advice can be arranged.
In common with meters for other utility services, the meters remain the property of Irish Water and it is illegal to tamper with a meter. However, as the meter boxes are not sealed, it will be possible for a customer to access the meter to verify readings if necessary. 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.
