Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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147. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if, on foot of commitments during the passage of the Water Services Act 2013, Irish Water will stop charging commercial users of water where there is presently an extended boil water notice in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4769/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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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 can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services.

The Act also provides that the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) will be responsible for the independent economic regulation of Irish Water.  The CER will be responsible for protecting the interests of customers and the charges levied by Irish Water will be subject to the approval of their water charges plan by the CER. Local Authorities have been instructed to continue with all of their current charging regimes on behalf of Irish Water, pending the consideration by the Commission for Energy Regulation of a proposed water charges plan developed by Irish Water.

The Water Services (No.2) Act 2013 requires that Irish Water to prepare codes of practice, on a range of matters, including standards in relation to the performance by Irish Water of its functions and billing by Irish Water of persons in respect of water services provided. Irish Water will also be required to prepare a code of practice on any matter considered necessary by the CER. I expect that the CER will consider issues where restrictions are in place on water supplies, including boil water notices, in fulfilling its functions.