COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 13, 2008

QUESTION NO.11

QUESTION: Councillor C. King

To ask the Manager, is it reasonable in cases where vacant houses' outdoor gas meters have been disconnected by Bord Gáis to expect the new SDCC tenants to pay €500 to Bord Gáis to reconnect the gas supply to their new home, ensuring these families are either put under significant financial pressures at the initiation stage of their tenancy or that they go without heating as a result of being unable to afford the reconnection fee and can the Manager make a statement on the matter?

REPLY:

Bord Gais Energy Supply requires, in the case of vacant houses, including local authority rented dwellings, that the gas supply be locked in the interest of health and safety.   The fee for unlocking the gas supply is €ll5.  Incoming tenants of SDCC are notified in advance of requirement to pay this fee as well as the security deposit of €400 which is required where the newly appointed tenant has not previously held an account with Bord Gais.  Various  methods of payment of this deposit are offered, including submission of a letter of guarantee from a homeowner or payment by direct debit with an initial deposit of €200 take from the first bill.