Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There has been a substantial problem associated with the fitting of meters in the Dublin area where several hundred leaks have been caused during the fitting and the local authority is picking up the tab for repairs. We are concerned because we were told that these would be fitted professionally and there would be no leaks, that there would be minimum disturbance and problems. Meters are being fitted to stop leaks and to reduce the amount of water being used.

We now discover that there are hundreds of leaks and that someone must foot the bill in that regard. I estimate that if this continues during the entire metering programme, the total bill for repairs across the State will be between €18 million and €20 million.