A complete guide to setting up your home utilities in Ireland — electricity, gas, broadband, water charges, and the TV licence explained.
4 guides in this topic
Choosing a broadband provider, checking availability at your address, and what to expect during setup — a practical guide for new arrivals.
5 min read
A step-by-step guide to getting electricity connected when you move into a new home in Ireland — choosing a supplier, switching, and understanding your bill.
5 min read
Once you've secured accommodation in Ireland, your next priority is getting your utilities connected. The good news is that most services can be switched on quickly — but the Irish utilities market has some quirks that are worth knowing about before you start making calls.
Ireland has a deregulated energy market, meaning you can choose your electricity and gas supplier. The main suppliers are Electric Ireland, Bord Gáis Energy, Energia, SSE Airtricity, and several others. Prices vary — it's worth comparing on bonkers.ie or switcher.ie to find the best deal.
To set up electricity, you'll need your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number), which you'll find on any previous bills or on a sticker near your meter. For gas, you need your GPRN. Contact your chosen supplier directly to open an account — most can do this online or by phone.
Ireland has good broadband coverage in cities and towns, though rural areas can still be underserved. Main providers include Eir, Virgin Media, Sky, and several smaller providers. Availability depends on your address — check what's available at your specific location before committing. Standard contracts are 12–18 months; most providers offer introductory discounts for new customers.
Water in Ireland is supplied by Irish Water (Uisce Éireann). Domestic water charges were controversial and are currently suspended for most households. You'll still need to register with Irish Water, especially if you have any issues with supply or want to report leaks.
If you have a television set in your home, you are legally required to have a TV licence, regardless of whether you use it to watch live TV or not. The annual licence costs €160. You can pay at your local Post Office or online at tvlicence.ie. Failure to have a licence can result in a fine of up to €1,000.
Waste collection in Ireland is managed by private operators — your local authority does not collect household bins. You'll need to arrange a bin collection service with a provider in your area. Charges are typically based on the weight or volume of waste collected (pay-by-weight or flat fee). Most areas have separate bins for general waste (black/grey), recycling (green), and food waste (brown/food caddy).
Choosing a broadband provider, checking availability at your address, and what to expect during setup — a practical guide for new arrivals.
A step-by-step guide to getting electricity connected when you move into a new home in Ireland — choosing a supplier, switching, and understanding your bill.
Who needs a TV licence, how much it costs, where to pay, and what counts as a 'television' under Irish law.
How bin collection works in Ireland, what goes in each bin, pay-by-weight explained, and how to avoid common mistakes.