Written answers

Wednesday, 1 October 2014

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Water Meters

Photo of Terence FlanaganTerence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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181. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any health risk posed by lower power radio units fixed to the top of water meters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37355/14]

Photo of Terence FlanaganTerence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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183. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the provision of home display units to monitor water meter usage; if customers will have to pay for these meters; if they will be free for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37357/14]

Photo of Alan KellyAlan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 183 together.

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 necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake the water metering programme.

Irish Water has informed my Department that each water meter has a low power radio unit fixed to the top which enables it to be read periodically from a passing van. This is what is known as Automatic Meter Reading (AMR). The AMR is dormant until the meter is read when it is activated only for the purpose of taking the meter read. The meters used by Irish Water do not currently employ smart metering technology and therefore home display units are not compatible at present. However, the meters are capable of being integrated into a smart meter reading system, should that ever be required.

Irish Water has procured meters and radio units that comply with all relevant European and international standards designed to protect the health and safety of customers and the public. The water meters used emit significantly less electro-magnetic radiation than the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) limits (1,000 times less than the limit), producing 10,000 to 25,000 times less electro-magnetic radiation compared to a mobile phone.

Meters will be read automatically and the information will be provided directly to customers in their bills. Any unusual usage patterns can be discussed with Irish Water if the householder is concerned. The meter boxes are not sealed and can be opened to allow the householder to verify the meter reading if necessary. Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that all the water meters in use by Irish Water comply with the Measuring Instruments Directive. In common with meters for other utility services, the meters will be the property of Irish Water who will be responsible for meter repair and maintenance.

Irish Water is putting in place a number of facilities for customers who require special or priority services. This includes the compilation of a confidential special services register for customers who prefer to have some of the services adapted to suit their needs and a confidential priority services register for domestic customers who have a critical medical dependency on water. The special arrangements put in place for the visually impaired have been developed in consultation with the National Disability Association. Irish Water has also contacted all of its customers and asked that householders with disability, mobility or medical concerns to contact its call centre in advance of the meter installation so any additional support or advice can be arranged.

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