Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. It is the occupier of a property who is liable to pay domestic water charges and legislation provides that the owner is the occupier, unless the contrary is proven. Irish Water is providing landlords with the opportunity to prove they are not the occupier by providing the tenant’s name or tenants' names. I am sure the Deputy has heard and seen the various advertisements on radio and television in this regard. This will allow Irish Water to contact a tenant to complete the registration and bill him or her. The tenant will have to register with Irish Water to avail of the water conservation grant or have lower charges than the default capped charge, €260, where he or she is a single adult occupant or his or her metered usage is less than the maximum charge.

My Department is consulting the local government sector, social housing providers and landlord and tenant representatives in the course of drafting legislation to give effect to measures proposed for tenants and unpaid water charges. Further details of the modalities involved will be available on publication of the draft legislation following Government approval and the completion of the necessary consultations with relevant representative organisations. It is important that consultations be held with the various organisations involved. Once they are concluded, I will firm up the dates for the ensuing legislative process.

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