IRISH WATER HAS launched a refunds page on its website for those who paid the charges and are due money back.
Last month customers were told that Irish Water would refund the full amount of their water charges before the end of the year.
Refunds totalling €173 million will be paid to 990,000 customers.
The legislation to enable the refunding of water charges is progressing through the Oireachtas and is expected to be approved shortly.
Speaking in advance of the start of refunds, head of customer operations for Irish Water, Eamon Gallen said:
“The two big questions that customers have is how much they will receive and when they will receive it.
Household customers can be assured that they will receive the full amount they paid, and customers will shortly be able to check online exactly how much they are due and when there are likely to receive their refund.
“Irish Water have been working in the background for several months to ensure that refunds will be ready to go as soon as we are authorised to do so by government.”
Customers who have changed address or personal details are being urged to contact Irish Water to ensure they get their refund.
Gallen said, “I would urge any customers who have not informed us of a change of address to do so now so that their details are up to date and there is no delay in issuing their cheque.”
In a statement Irish Water said the refunds will be made via cheque to the account holder at the address they provided to Irish Water.
“Payments are being made by cheque because this is the quickest and most efficient means of payment, which also provides the highest level of security by ensuring that only the account holder can lodge the cheque and Irish Water can cancel any cheques sent to incorrect addresses or individuals.
“Cheques also ensure that Irish Water will not need to have account holders’ bank account details and customers can be very clear that at no time will anyone from Irish Water contact them looking for those details.”
An additional €5 million – on top of the refunds totalling €173 million – will spent on the cost of letters, cheques, a public information campaign and additional staffing to support the project.
Radio advertisements are also beginning this week across local and national stations advising customers to contact Irish Water on 1850 448 448 if their address has changed and they have yet to update their details.
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