The Oireachtas Water Committee report has been described as "a great victory for Right2Water movement" by Sinn Fein.

TD and spokesperson for Water Eoin Ó Broin said as the report stands, water charges are gone.

He said: "The report also includes a clear commitment to hold referendum enshrining the public ownership of water and water services in the Constitution. The report also has a range of measures to promote conservation and reduce leaks in the public water system.

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"The Committee will be in a position to take a final decision when we meet tomorrow and I believe we have a firm majority.

"I call on Minister Simon Coveney to stand by his word and legislate on the basis of the Committee report. The Minister needs to heed the advice of the Committee that he himself set up."

(CD/LM)