The markets for domestic electricity and gas supply have recently been deregulated in Ireland, with customers now free to choose from a range of suppliers.

Electricity supply remains the overall responsibility of the national Electricity Supply Board (ESB). This body is responsible for connecting customers to the network and for meter readings, which are then passed to the relevant supplier for billing. You need to apply to the ESB for connection and to the electricity company of your choice to arrange supply.

Bord Gais, a semi-national agency, owns and operates the natural gas transmission and distribution networks. Natural gas supply is available to domestic customers in most of Ireland's cities and towns. Connection to the gas supply can be arranged via the supplier of your choice.

Full lists of licensed electricity and gas suppliers can be found on the website of The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

Electricity and gas bills are issued every two months and can be paid by a wide range of methods including direct debit, ATM transactions, the Billpay service operated by An Post, at Post Offices or at shops displaying the PayPoint sign.

The efficient supply of water to homes and industry is the responsibility of the 88 local authorities around Ireland. In some remote areas houses are not connected to the public water supply and water supply is provided through a group water scheme organized by local residents. Local authority charges for domestic water from a public supply have been abolished, but you are likely to have to pay charges if you belong to a group water scheme.

Local authorities are responsible for domestic waste disposal, and there are regular refuse collections and widespread recycling schemes.