Refunds for those who paid their water charges have started to arrive at households around the country.
Irish Water said the refund process began on Monday, November 20th with 180,000 cheques processed in the first week. Almost 90 per cent of cheques are due to be issued by the end of the year.
Households with more than one occupant who paid all five bills could receive a refund of up to €325. Those with a single occupant who paid all five bills could receive a refund of up to €200.
“In order to test the system of printing, reconciliation and dispatch 5,000 cheques were processed on Monday [NOVEMBER 20TH], 10,000 on Tuesday and Wednesday and 45,000 on Thursday and Friday,” a spokeswoman for Irish Water said.
“45,000 cheques will be issued per day from now on and cheques will be printed six days a week.”
President Michael D Higgins signed the Water Services Bill into law earlier this month, providing for the refunding of about €173 million, paid by 990,000 householders as well as for the charging of households for excessive water use.
Minister for the Environment Eoghan Murphy told the Dáil previously it would not be possible to refund all charges before Christmas.
Cheques are being sent to the account holder at the address they provided to the utility. Anyone who has moved and has yet to let Irish Water know should call 1850 448 448 to update their details.
Customers can check how much they will receive and when they will receive their cheque by logging on to the Irish Water Refund Checker at water.ie/refunds.
