Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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243. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure that householders can read the reading on their water meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35045/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigned the company the necessary powers to allow it to undertake the metering programme.

Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that the water meters in use by Irish Water comply with the Measur ing Instruments Directive. In common with meters for other utility services, the meters remain the property of Irish Water. However, as the meter boxes are not sealed, it is possible for a customer to access the meter to verify readings if necessary. Furthermore, t o assist the homeowner in the identification of any leaks , the water meters have a 'constant flow' alarm which alerts Irish Water who will in turn alert the affected homeowner. Householders with a meter installed will be provided with a reading of their meter as part of their bill and any unusual usage patterns can be discussed with Irish Water if the householder is concerned.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ieor by telephone on 1890 278 278.