Fianna Fáil is calling for the Government to stop water charges for Islanders who are rationing.

TD for Galway West Éamon Ó Cuív said residents on Inis Meáin and Inis Oirr are expected to pay the new water tax despite having their supply rationed.

Deputy Ó Cuív said: "An emergency operation is currently underway to deal with water shortages on Inis Meáin. Reservoir levels have fallen to critically low levels on the island and around 50,000 gallons of waters are expected to be ferried to the island every day.

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"The situation on the islands is completely unacceptable. Residents have been forced to put up with water restrictions during June and July, and now drastic measures are having to be taken to ensure that people have a sufficient supply.

"I called on the previous Environment Minister Phil Hogan to outline the water provision policy in relation to the islands; however, he passed off the issue saying it was solely a matter for Uisce Éireann. This is a complete departure from previous Governments, even when services were provided by semi-state bodies, Ministers had a policy to ensure that essential services were provided in remote and island locations. The Fine Gael-Labour coalition has taken a totally laissez faire attitude towards public services and seem to be allowing commercial considerations dictate policy."

(CD/IT)