Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 October 2014
335. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide full and specific details and results of all its environmental impact surveys conducted prior to commencing work including but not limited to the installation to the electromagnetic frequency omitting devices smart meters across the country. [39183/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn scoping the Water Metering Programme, the need to conduct an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) was investigated. It was determined that the metering installation programme does not come under any category specified in the EIA Directive or its Irish implementing legislation and therefore an EIS was not required. Each water meter has a low power radio unit fixed to the top which enables it to be read periodically from a passing van. This is known as Automatic Meter Reading (AMR). The AMR is dormant until the meter is read when it is activated only for the purpose of taking the meter read. This should not be confused with smart metering technology, although Irish Water is not aware of any health risks associated with smart meters.
Irish Water have procured meters and radio units that comply with all relevant European and International Standards designed to protect the health and safety of customers and the general public. The electromagnetic radiation emitted from the individual AMR meters installed or from a cluster of such meters is a minute fraction of that emitted from common household devices such as microwave ovens, Wi-fi routers, cordless phones or baby monitors. Further information is available in Irish Water’s information booklet entitled “Irish Water Meters and AMR Technology”, which is available at www.water.ie/billing-and-metering/metering-explained/.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
