The Government has been criticised for preventing the Ombudsman from investigating complaints against Irish Water.

Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen said it is "alarming" that the Govt are continuing to stop a proper oversight of the firm.

Deputy Cowen says the policy decision means that there is no proper oversight of the superquango, despite the utility remaining on the state's balance sheet.

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He said: "Irish Water has cost the state in excess of €750m to date. This is money that could have been spent on upgrading our water infrastructure and improving other vital services. People expect proper oversight of Irish Water given the vast sums of money that have been spent setting up the superquango to date.

"The decision to only allow the regulator to deal with Irish Water complaints is unsatisfactory. Many of the complaints made to date relate to policy decisions being pushed by the regulator. People feel that their complaints are not getting proper independent investigation.

"TD's also cannot get information on Irish Water through Dáil parliamentary questions. The Government needs to urgently reassess its position and ensure oversight of Irish Water is in line with best international practice."

(CD/JP)