Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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240. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the first fix free policy from Irish Water and their statements that it will not be available before 2015; in view of this, his views that this is encouraging water wastage (details supplied); and if he will take action to ensure that leaks which emerge now are fixed. [38609/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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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 responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and that the water charges plan prepared by Irish Water is subject to the approval of the CER. The CER announced its decision on the water charges plan on 30 September.

Under the Water Services Act 2007, responsibility for repair and maintenance of the internal water distribution system from the main stopcock to the house and within the house rests with the homeowner. However, the Government has agreed to provide additional funding to Irish Water for their capital investment to include a free first fix scheme. In announcing its decision on the Irish Water water charges plan, the CER determined that customer charges are capped at the relevant unmetered charge for an initial period of nine months after their water meter is installed. This will ensure that those with meters installed, and an identified leak external to the dwelling, will not be penalised pending the carrying out of the first fix.

Irish Water has submitted a draft first fix policy to the CER for approval. It is understood that the CER intend to hold a public consultation in advance of a decision and implementation of this scheme in January 2015.

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.