15-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘Very concerned': Regulator sets deadline for Uisce Éireann to provide data on leaks, sewage overflows and supply issues
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has given the water company until the end of June to hand over the data.
In a letter to Uisce Éireann, the CRU said there had been problems getting details from it since 2020 and it was now 'very concerned'.
'Uisce Éireann's failure to report on these metrics means the utility is non-complaint with the current regulatory framework,' the letter said.
'These metrics, particularly security of supply, are of key interest to the Uisce Éireann board, its customers, developers and stakeholders including local, indigenous and international industry.
'Accurate, timely and complete reporting assists customers, stakeholders and the CRU to understand which areas of the network are most at risk and require targeted investment.
'Uisce Éireann's failure to provide this information to date hinders customers' and the CRU's ability to understand the utility's full performance.'
The letter acknowledged that Uisce Éireann was 'engaging with the CRU' on the matter but also set a June 30 deadline.
In a statement in response, Uisce Éireann said it 'notes' the CRU's assessment, which came in two reports published yesterday.
'These reports assess the utility's performance against a wide range of metrics as set by the CRU, and provide information on water/wastewater services,' it said.
'In the Performance Assessment Framework report, the CRU recognises the progress being made by Uisce Éireann across a range of areas, while also acknowledging that challenges remain in relation to certain targets.
'Where targets have yet to be achieved, Uisce Éireann is committed to meeting these in the shortest possible timeframe.'
The company did not commit to providing the outstanding information by the June deadline.
The CRU reports annually on Uisce Éireann's performance and these latest assessments relate to the utility's work in 2023, when almost €2bn was spent on water and wastewater services.
'This significant investment by Uisce Éireann is welcomed and delivered certain improvements,' the CRU said.
It said, however, there were areas of 'underperformance and required improvement' and that continued heavy investment was needed.
