The SDLP has slammed Sinn Féin for allowing 32,000 water meters to be installed in Northern Ireland.

South Down MLA Sean Rogers discovered that during Conor Murphy's tenure as Regional Development Minister, his department installed over 32,000 domestic and non-domestic water meters across NI.

Mr Rogers said: "The Department of Regional Development has advised that between 2007 and 2014 some 32,000 meters have been installed at domestic properties. The revelations will make uncomfortable reading especially for the underprivileged families in our society.

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"Sinn Fein followers will be most uncomfortable of all when they learn the fact that a total of 26,510 meters have been installed at family homes during Minister Conor Murphy's watch.

"I contend that it is the utmost in hypocrisy to be seen joining in the water charge protests in the Republic whilst supervising the installation of water meters in this part of Ireland.

"Indeed, in 2008, a year after Conor Murphy had been installed as DRD Minister, his department installed almost 12,000 water meters at domestic properties, almost triple the amount of the average."

"I do not intend to let the matter rest," he concluded.

(CD/JP)