As meter reading gets underway again this week, Irish Water says 30,000 leaks have already been identified at homes around the country.

They were found during the first cycle of readings taken at the end of last year.

46 million litres, or the equivalent of 18 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water, is being lost from pipes around homes across the country each day.

Irish Water says about 7% of the meters it read several months ago point to a leak on the customer side.

It has released the figures as it prepares for another round of meter reading, and unveils details of its 'first fix' scheme.

A pilot study by the company has found 40% of leaks were classed as 'internal', and any repairs would be the responsibility of the homeowner, not Irish Water.

It is now writing to homes suspected of having a leak, to tell residents what to do next.

Jerry Grant is the head of asset management at Irish Water.

He admits the problem is bigger than they thought, and they are preparing for more leaks to be discovered.

But he says the meter can help people save money.

Meanwhile, the Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin says "it's crazy" that the equivalent of the entire water supply of Limerick city is "flowing into the ground every day".

Mr Howlin says it is "good news" that the leaks have been identified.