Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Environment, Community & Local Government, Brian Stanley TD, has challenged media reports that the installation of equipment to fit water meters, "will cost €20m. The full cost of this project will cost the tax payer a massive €1.2 billion".

Deputy Stanley said: "According to the Local Authorities Professional Officers the full cost of water meters will be €1.2billion. Minister Hogan admitted that the contract would be paid with the National Pension Reserve Fund. The government would be better off investing in upgrading our crumbling water system. The State's water distribution network is antiquated. In some local authority areas up to 60% is leaking away.

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"An Bord Gáis is also looking to appoint a managing director for Irish water. This position will cost the tax payer a further €250,000.

"Sinn Féin opposes the introduction of domestic water meters and water charges. Sinn Féin is calling for the establishment of a National Water Sector Framework Team. This team, at no added cost to the public, would oversee governance of the water sector and capital investment for the sector. We support the introduction of district metering which is far more effective and cost effective than installing domestic water meters in every household. This allows for local authorities to monitor water usage and leakage at neighbourhood level."

(CD)