Irish Water says 55% of households have made a payment after the second cycle of bills.

The utility says there was a 24% increase in revenue between the two billing periods.

In total, it says 830,000 households have paid part or all of their bills.

The head of communications with Irish Water is Elizabeth Arnett.

She says they have started to send out the third bills - and extra charges will apply for those who have not paid after the 4th.

Meanwhile Irish Water says almost 859,000 homes have now applied for the water conservation grant.

However, that means some €44m has still not been claimed.

1.3 million homes are eligible for the €100 grant.

The deadline for applications is midnight tonight.