Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce water charges based on usage above a free allowance. The Government considers that charging based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies. The Water Services Act (No. 2) 2013 provides for the transfer of water services functions from the local authorities to Irish Water. The Act also provides that the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, will be responsible for the independent economic regulation of Irish Water. The CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.

Under the European Communities (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations, 2007, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, suppliers of drinking water are required to ensure that the water supplied is wholesome and clean. Water which is wholesome and clean is defined as water which is free from any micro-organisms and parasites and from any substances which in numbers or concentrations constitute a potential danger to human health, and which meets the quality standards specified in the schedule to the regulations. Hard water is not included as a parameter in the quality standards specified in the regulations as it does not pose a threat to human health. The Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, is the supervisory authority with responsibility for monitoring Irish Water's compliance with these regulations.

I have listened to what Senator Byrne had to say and would suggest that the group to which he referred makes a submission to the CER and to the EPA to draw attention to the specific issue of hard water in Ashbourne and other parts of County Meath.

I suggest the group involved makes a submission to the regulator and the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, to identify some of the specific issues regarding hard water in Ashbourne and many other parts of County Meath. As you know, a Chathaoirligh, I know County Meath is more renowned for hard men than hard water. The consultation process with the regulator will begin in April and, by making a submission, the regulator will decide measures on charging for water.