Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2018
468. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the health impact assessments that have taken place on the installation of smart meters, with particular reference to the analysis undertaken by the regulatory commission regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53611/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Smart Meter Programme is a meter replacement programme which will result in the upgrade of 2.4 million meters to modern, smart-ready technology. By 2020 it is expected that over 700 million smart meters will be installed globally. These new generation meters are being rolled out across Europe and internationally and when the upgrade completes in Ireland in 2024, all domestic and business premises will have a new, modern meter installed.
The Smart Meter Programme is being coordinated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. ESB Networks are responsible for rolling out smart electricity meters and Gas Networks Ireland will be responsible for rolling out smart gas meters.
Smart meters are considered safe. Health authorities around the world, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), have assessed the scientific evidence and there are no established health effects from smart meters. In the delivery of smart meters, ESB Networks and Gas Networks Ireland are required to ensure that any meters procured would, at a minimum, meet Irish and EU product health and safety legislation and standards which require manufacturers to ensure that any product placed on the market is safe. ESB Networks are currently in the process of procuring the necessary technical solutions to deliver smart electricity metering and more information about the type of technology will be available when this process concludes. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities will be monitoring this to ensure full compliance.
