Irish Water workers are to have a greater input over the future of the public utility.

The Group of Unions Ervia welcomed the call by the Environment Minister, Alan Kelly, and said the overall meeting was "very positive".

Group of Unions at Irish Water secretary, Adrian Kane, said: "Following a positive meeting with the Minister for the Environment at which he stated his appreciation of the significant degree of progress in leak detection, water conservation, infrastructure replacement and elimination of boil water notices achieved by Irish Water and local authority workers.

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"Irish Water workers in particular welcome the Minister's statement that the greater involvement of 'on-the-ground personnel' would 'contribute to a more informed public debate about the future of this national infrastructure'.

"It is now imperative that all the major political parties engage with Irish Water workers concerning the debate over the future of the public utility. The employees are the real experts on this issue, they know what is needed to develop a world class water infrastructure for this country."

(CD)