Robert Troy
Ceist:775. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government why Irish Water is essentially charging a property tax on vacant properties (details supplied). [6074/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 6 April 2016
Ceisteanna (775)
Freagraí scríofa
With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water shall collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.
Section 3 of the Water Services Act 2014 provides that where a dwelling in receipt of services from Irish Water is unoccupied that the dwelling shall be liable to a charge of not more than €260 for receipt of both water and wastewater services, i.e. the supply of water to a dwelling and the removal of wastewater from it. The Water Charges Plan approved by the CER sets the minimum rate at €125 per annum and the maximum rate at €260 per annum for both water and waste water services where a not permanently occupied dwelling has been registered with Irish Water. A lower minimum charge of €62.50 and maximum charge of €125 applies if the dwelling is in receipt of a single service.
Registered Irish Water customers who have an unresolved dispute with Irish Water can log a complaint with the Commission for Energy Regulation’s (CER) customer care team. Following investigation, the CER has the power to direct Irish Water to pay compensation and resolve a complaint.