Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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576. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on concerns regarding tampering with a water supply (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36973/14]

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

Irish Water has procured meters that comply with all relevant European and international standards designed to protect the health and safety of customers and the public. As the meter boxes are not sealed, it is possible for a customer to access the meter to verify readings if necessary.

In common with meters for other utility services, once installed the meters remain the property of Irish Water. Section 74 of the Water Services Act 2007 provides that it is an offence to damage or otherwise impair a water meter and a person convicted of an offence under section 74 is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or both. Section 57 of the 2007 Act makes it an offence to cause pollution to water in any waterworks or service connection. A person convicted of an offence under section 57 is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or both, or if convicted on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €15,000,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both.

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