Water Meters

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Questions (1560, 1580, 1594)

Finian McGrath

Question:

1560. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will investigate allegations (details supplied) in Dublin 15 that water meters are compromising the health and safety of every citizen as there are no safety mechanisms put on the water meters, allowing easy access to turn off and contaminate the water supply of each householder and remove the water meter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34160/14]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

1580. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on concerns relating to the security of Irish Water meters installed; if he will reassure the growing number of people who have seen various viral videos on social media which outline the relative ease with which someone can access households' water meters and directly tamper with a supply should they so wish. [34433/14]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

1594. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the ease of access to a domestic household water supply as a result of the installation of the new water meters poses a threat to the health of families; if it is possible for a person to contaminate a family's water supply at the new water meter access point. [34619/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1560, 1580 and 1594 together.

The Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigns the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake the water metering programme.

Irish Water has procured meters that comply with all relevant European and international standards designed to protect the health and safety of customers and the public. As the meter boxes are not sealed, it is possible for a customer to access the meter to verify readings if necessary.

In common with meters for other utility services, once installed the meters remain the property of Irish Water. Section 74 of the Water Services Act 2007 provides that it is an offence to damage or otherwise impair a water meter and a person convicted of an offence under section 74 is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or both. Video material has previously been brought to the attention of Irish Water which is the statutory body responsible for the metering programme. Section 57 of the 2007 Act makes it an offence to cause pollution to water in any waterworks or service connection. A person convicted of an offence under section 57 is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or both, or if convicted on indictment to a fine not exceeding €15,000,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email to [e-mail] or by telephone on 1890 278 278.