Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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122. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the reason for the delay in clarifying the commitment to provide the first-fix-free in the case of leaks from water pipes on private property following the installation of water meters; and if he will now provide clear guidance to Irish Water in this regard, in order that such leaks can be dealt with speedily by the responsible agency. [17165/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to the introduction of 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, therefore, decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies. The Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigned the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake this metering programme.

As part of the metering programme, my Department, in conjunction with Irish Water, is currently working on a proposal regarding customer-side leakage, the implementation arrangements for which will have to be worked out with Irish Water.