Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018
628. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding water allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46863/18]
View answerSince 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels.
Neither I nor my Department have a role in relation to the management of individual customer accounts or the resolution of complaints which are matters for Irish Water in the first instance or, where a satisfactory resolution is not forthcoming, for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
Section 8 of the Water Services Act 2014 (as amended) makes provision for the CRU to provide a dispute resolution service for unresolved complaints of customers of Irish Water. Further information on pursuing complaints with Irish Water or with the CRU is available on the website of the CRU and can be accessed from the following weblink: https://www.cru.ie/home/complaint-form/water/.
As Minister, I must respect the independent statutory powers and functions which the Oireachtas has conferred on Irish Water and on the CRU in line with the Water Services Acts 2007-2017 and I cannot involve myself in individual cases.
It may also be helpful to note that Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
