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Irish Water Remit

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2014

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Questions (96)

Brian Stanley

Question:

96. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the €188 call out charge being imposed on Irish Water customers for dealing with leaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45869/14]

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Written answers

Under the Water Services Act 2007, responsibility for repair and maintenance of the internal water distribution system from the main stopcock to the house and within the house rests with the homeowner. However, the Government has agreed to provide additional funding to Irish Water for their capital investment to include a free first fix scheme. Irish Water has submitted a draft first fix policy to the Commission for Energy Regulation for approval. It is understood that the CER intend to hold a public consultation in advance of a decision and implementation of this scheme in early 2015. Householders normally engage their own plumbers or builders to address related problems on their property. This will remain the position, and other than services up to the meter and the free first fix scheme, Irish Water will not be offering such additional services (accepting that there may be circumstances where services will need to be provided in the wider public interest on grounds of public health or imminent environmental pollution). This issue is currently being considered in the context of the legislative provisions required to give effect to recent decisions made by Government in relation to domestic water charges.

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