Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
49. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans for a scheme to compensate businesses that have lost revenue due to water outages (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32909/23]
View answerUisce Éireann has a strong customer service focus throughout its Water Charges Plan and Customer Charter, which outlines the standard of service customers should expect to receive. The Water Charges Plan outlines the manner and method by which Uisce Éireann charges its customers.
The Water Charges Plan also sets out an existing compensation mechanism for business customers when water quality is compromised and unfit for human consumption such as when Boil Water and Drinking Water Restriction Notices apply, where discounts of up to 40% may be applied to customer bills.
I have no role in the development of the Water Charges plan, which determines charges, tariffs and rebates. This is developed by Uisce Éireann and approved by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) following a public consultation process.
Implementation of the Water Charges Plan is a matter in the first instance for Uisce Éireann. Any issues, which cannot be resolved by Uisce Éireann to the satisfaction of the customer can be referred under the formal complaints process to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
Uisce Éireann 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.
