Irish Water starts contacting those with unpaid bills
Irish Water has moved to defend its handling of unpaid bills.
A spokesperson has confirmed the utility company has started "proactively" contacting people who have an outstanding balance on their account.
A report in the claimed the company was using collection agents to "cold call" customers who had yet to pay their bills.
However, the utility said it is untrue to suggest that customers have been contacted based on their age profile. In recent weeks Irish Water has confirmed just 50% of bills have been paid.
"Irish Water takes very seriously suggestions that people are being threatened with having their water supply cut off," a supplied statement read.
"This is absolutely not the case. Irish Water is prohibited from disconnecting houses connected to the public water supply in the event of charges being wholly or partly unpaid."
It said the process is being conducted within strict guidelines set out by the regulator.
Long-time opponent of water charges, Deputy Paul Murphy, said people should refuse to engage with the company.
"This is harassment," he said. "You're talking about people - potentially older or vulnerable people - getting calls form Irish Water encouraging them to pay their bill."
"It's a complete waste of more taxpayers' money on what is a failed project."
He encouraged protesters to remain polite, but firmly and clearly inform any callers that they are boycotting the water charge.
