The Irish Farmers Union (IFA) has slammed Irish Water after it was revealed farmers are to be charged for water.

The IFA is also calling for a meeting with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), who have responsibility for water pricing policy, to resolve the issue.

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IFA Environment & Rural Affairs Chairman Harold Kingston, said: "Farmers who do not have their own well, or who are not part of a group water scheme, were up until recently charged by their local authority for their water.

"However the plan for Irish Water to charge for the portion of water used by the farm family, and for the local authority to charge for the water used on the farm, is ludicrous and is a real example of inefficiency in the public service."

(CD/JP)