Government disarray over the installation of water meters is shaping up as the latest fiasco at the Department of the Environment, according to Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Niall Collins TD.

Deputy Collins commented: "The notion that the Government would force households to pay hundreds of euro up-front for the privilege of then charging them further for their water use is ludicrous.

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"The lack of any clear answer from Ministers over the last 24 hours on the question of whether or not households will be asked to pay for a water meter proves one thing. This Government has no meaningful strategy on water reform. The report that we would be asked to pay €300 per house was confirmed and denied simultaneously at the highest levels of Government!

"Already we are seeing worrying similarities with the communications disaster that surrounded the household charge. The confusion coming from the most senior levels in Government about this very first piece of the water charging jigsaw does not bode well for the future and is absolutely the wrong way to begin a debate on the issue."

(CD)