Man gets injunctions to stop Irish Water from installing meter

Saturday, June 07, 2014

By Aodhan O’Faolain and Ray Managh

A Co Meath man has secured a number of temporary High Court injunctions preventing Irish Water from installing a water meter on his property.

The orders were obtained yesterday by William Anthony Rochford, 46, arising out of concerns over “inferior containers or coverings” for the meters being installed by Irish Water.

In a sworn statement to the court, Mr Rochford of Steeple Manor, Trim, said he was seeking the injunction because he believes the housing component, container or the covering of the water meter it was intended to place on his property was “not fit for purpose,” and may give rise to injury, loss and damage.

The injunctions were granted at the High Court by Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon.

The judge made orders preventing Irish Water from trespassing on Mr Rochford’s property and from installing a water meter at his home.

Irish Water is also prevented from installing a plastic box cover on or connected with the said water meter.

The injunction, granted on an ex-parte basis where only Mr Rochford was represented in court, was adjourned until June 23.