Irish Water denies letters data breach

Irish Water last night denied there had been any data protection breach as a result of a "scripting error" which saw it issue 6,329 letters to property owners with the right address but the wrong name printed on them.

The company confirmed the error and said the letters had been sent to people who owned more than one property. The issue arose where properties had recently been sold.

Irish Water said throughout September it had been sending out customer application packs and letters to more than two million householders to enable customers to confirm their details and to ensure that a correct and up-to-date database of customers existed.

“This will ensure all Irish Water customers receive their correct allowances,” it said. “In line with this process, Irish Water has sent letters to owners of multiple properties asking them to confirm the details of properties they own.

“Irish Water is aware that incorrect names have appeared on correspondence issued to 6,329 of these individuals.”

The company said the error became apparent on September 4 after it was contacted by a number of customers who had been affected.

“Irish Water acted immediately to resolve this issue and all of the property owners affected have been advised accordingly,” it said.

“On becoming aware of the issue, Irish Water also immediately informed the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) and our understanding is that the issuing of the letters does not constitute a breach and that the Office of the DPC are satisfied with how Irish Water has dealt with the issue.”

The DPC’s office said Irish Water had informed it of the steps being taken to prevent a repeat of that type of incident: “On this basis, this office concluded its investigation into the matter.”