The newly appointed Chair of the Water Policy Commission has been accused of "seriously undermining" his position following comments he made to the media.

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government Barry Cowen TD slammed Mr Joe O'Toole and said his comments raise serious question marks about his suitability for the role.

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Deputy Cowen said: "This new commission's job is to independently and impartially examine the different options available for funding our water and wastewater systems into the future, before presenting these options to Dáil Éireann which will then decide.

"In his ill-judged comments to the media, Mr O'Toole has seriously undermined his position as Chair. For the commission’s process to enjoy public support, it is essential that those involved approach the question of funding with an open mind. By making clear his view before the process of examination even begins and pre-empting the outcome, he has raised serious question marks about his suitability for this role."

(CD/LM)