The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has published its water charges plan for 2016.

It is the first plan to be published since the charges were suspended for nine months.

The Water Services (Amendment) Act 2016 provides for the suspension of domestic water charges from July 1st 2016 to March 31st 2017.

"In light of this development, the CER is also publishing an information note to provide customers with important information that is of benefit to them during this period of suspension," the CER says.

"Those served by the Irish Water network remain Irish Water customers", it adds.

It also makes reference to an expert commission established by the Government, to examine and review the funding of Irish Water.

The new plan states that Irish Water "shall not issue a bill before 31st March 2017 for water services provided to a dwelling in respect of the period 1st April 2016 to 30th June 2016".

"Therefore Irish Water's domestic customers will not be liable for charges for water services provided to a dwelling for the period 1st July 2016 to 31st March 2017."

It also says the utility will not issue a bill before March 31st 2017.

This comes as Irish MEP Lynn Boylan claims legal advice she received shows water charges can be scrapped, not just suspended.