Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1573. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the contact number for Irish Water customer phone line is an 1890 number; and if a separate 1800 number could be put in place for customers to contact Irish Water seeking information about customer applications, water meters and other related matters. [34339/14]
View answerThe 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 have established a customer support call centre, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This call centre is designed for reporting of any faults in water services and assisting customers with any queries related to water services. The call centre number, 1890 278 278, is also contactable on the national number 01 707 2828. A separate number, 1890 448 448, has been dedicated to assist with queries and completion of the new customer application form. This line is open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Irish Water can also be contacted by email and the application form can also be completed on line. All details are clearly outlined on the company website, www.water.ie.
Irish Water has informed my Department that it has adopted 1890 numbers because this strikes a reasonable balance on contact cost between that incurred by the customer and that incurred by the company. Irish Water’s remit is to act commercially in carrying on its operations and the company considers that its 1890 channels are consistent with these objectives.
Irish Water has also 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.
