Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

592. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding an allowance for water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47891/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Capped annual water charges are set at €160 for single adult households and €260 for all other households, including those households comprising persons with medical conditions requiring higher water usage. All eligible households will receive a water conservation grant of €100 per year. In effect, this means that the net cost to single adult households will be no more than €60; for other households it will be no more than €160. The overall package of measures being put in place is designed to make the water charging regime more affordable and to provide clarity and certainty to households.

In terms of payment, all households will be able to avail of a range of easy pay options, including direct debits, electronic funds transfer, payment by cash at any retail outlet with a paypoint or payzone sign or a post office where a bill can be paid in full or part payments of a minimum of €5 can be made.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives and has contacted all Oireachtas members to provide details of an improved level of service which it is aiming to provide. The team can be contacted via email to

or by telephone on a new dedicated number, 1890 578 578.