Sinn Féin has slammed Fianna Fáil for "pretending to be concerned" about government plans for investment in the water network.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh said the government's handling of the water metering programme is "shambolic".

He said: "But the much maligned water meter was the brainchild of Fianna Fáil when they were in government and a key component of their plan to introduce domestic water charges.

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"Thus while the legacy of this Government will be water charges, there is no getting away from the fact that Fianna Fáil's legacy is the water meter.

"This is why Sinn Fein tabled an amendment to the motion calling for the abolition of water charges, the abolition of Irish Water and an immediate end to the water metering programme.

"The most recent EPA Report on the quality of the domestic water supply makes for frightening reading.

"In the west of Ireland, particularly in Galway, Ballinasloe, Leenane, Carraroe and Williamstown people are drinking contaminated water.

"It’s time Fianna Fáil and the Government stopped their respective charades.

"Irish Water should be abolished."

(CD/IT)