Written Answers Nos. 157-161
157. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Irish Water has taken all necessary steps to ensure that every digit on the meters can be read by a homeowner and that none are obscured; if the obstruction of lower numbers on a meter is commonplace; if so, the measure he proposes to ensure that a full meter reading can be taken by homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39486/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January 2014 Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels, including the rollout of the domestic water metering programme. Irish Water has confirmed that there are two types of meters being installed as part of this programme. These were selected as part of an open procurement process for the supply of water meters. Both meter types are widely used internationally. The meters comply with all required standards including the EU Measuring Instruments Directive (EU MID 2004/22/EC). Both meters are mechanical with an analogue display. Each water meter has a low power radio unit fixed to the top which sends a data signal that can be read periodically from a passing van. This is what is known as automatic meter reading or AMR. The data sent from the radio is encrypted and then stored securely on our computer systems.
Irish Water has assured my Department that customers can easily read their own meters in order to familiarise themselves with their water consumption. On all meters installed by Irish Water, customers can see a combination of black and red digits. The black dials record cubic metres of water and the red dials (from left to right) record 100’s litres, 10’s of litres and litres. 1 cubic metre is equivalent to 1,000 litres. On one type of meter being installed, the last of the three red dials, showing 10s of litres, is slightly obscured by the Automatic Meter Reader (AMR) unit. However, this will not hinder people’s ability to get an accurate meter reading to the nearest 10’s of litres. Customers will be provided with their meter reading as part of the billing process. Information on Irish Water meters, with a graphic showing the meter, is available at www.water.ie.
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.
160. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has considered the opportunity of laying new telecommunications fibre at the same time as Irish Water is laying new ducting or water infrastructure; if his Department has discussed the issue with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government; if he will disclose any analysis done on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39348/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish Water is a subsidiary of BGÉ, a State-owned company which has developed a telecommunications business through the laying of ducting alongside its gas pipeline network. Drawing on the considerable experience of BGÉ, it is a matter for Irish Water to decide, in the first instance, whether there is a commercial case for entering the liberalised telecommunications market. Any State investment in this market to ensure wider access to quality broadband services must be implemented in compliance with the applicable EU state aids guidelines.
The Government’s Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to ensure that quality broadband services are available to all citizens regardless of where they are located. The National Broadband Plan will deliver this objective by accelerating investment in areas the commercial market will serve and through a State intervention to deliver quality broadband infrastructure in other areas.
The National Broadband Plan intervention will be planned on a least-cost approach, with bidders expected to utilise to the greatest extent possible, existing suitable infrastructure thereby minimising the requirement for new build. To this end, the Department will publish a database of available assets. Discussions will take place in this regard with relevant commercial and non-commercial State-entities and Government Departments as part of the detailed planning for the National Broadband Plan.
161. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if performance-related pay has been paid to any of his staff or staff in his Department for the years 2011 to 2013, inclusive, and to date in 2014; if so, the number of staff involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39391/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere were no performance related payments made to any staff of my Department during the years in question.
