More Limerick households to benefit from extension of Irish Water’s First Fix free scheme
More Limerick households are set to benefit from Irish Water’s free leak repair service following approval by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to extend the scheme.
In approving Irish Water’s proposals, the CRU recognises the success of the current scheme in reducing leakage and safeguarding water supplies in Limerick and across the country.
The First Fix scheme is a key element of the national Leakage Reduction Programme which is addressing the serious problem of leakage in Ireland’s water network.
The scheme provides customers with support in identifying and fixing leaks. Irish Water offers a free leak investigation and, when a potential leak has been identified, a free repair to a leak detected on an external supply pipe on the customer’s property.
Irish Water says the scheme, which was first introduced in 2015, has resulted in savings of 155 million litres of water every day - enough water to supply 450,000 homes a year.
To date more than 87,000 investigations and 60,400 leak repairs have been completed across the country. The changes approved by the CRU this week will open the scheme to customers who were not included in the original scope, including those without a water meter.
Commenting on the announcement, Irish Water’s Customer Strategy and Capability Manager Geoffrey Bourke said: “Tackling Ireland’s high rate of leakage is a top priority for Irish Water. We are making steady progress by replacing old water mains, fixing leaks and upgrading our water network as part of the Leakage Reduction Programme."
Mr Bourke says the First Fix scheme is an essential tool in tackling the problem of leakage on customers’ property.
"We welcome the decision to expand the eligibility criteria. Many more customers will now be able to have a leak fixed free of charge and help to conserve our precious water resources. This will benefit everyone by ensuring a more secure and reliable water supply for all. We look forward to working with our customers throughout Ireland as we continue to deliver this important programme.”
Following the completion of the CRU review of the First Fix Free scheme, Irish Water will work with the Regulator and its delivery partners to implement the recommended changes.