Labour has hit out after the government failed to advance a referendum to ensure Ireland's water infrastructure remains in public ownership.

Spokesperson on Water, Jan O'Sullivan, said the party will now move to reintroduce its Bill which was first proposed in July 2016.

She said: "A key recommendation of the Joint Committee on the Future Funding of Water was that a referendum would be held to ensure our water infrastructure remains in public ownership.

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"It is bizarre that while considering the possible dates for holding votes on future constitutional amendments that no consideration was given to holding a referendum on water infrastructure.

"There is cross party consensus on this issue, and a draft wording has also been discussed at the committee.

"It was reported just a week ago that the Attorney General's office was examining this issue. The Water Services Bill has been published but we have yet to hear when the Government plans to hold this vote.

"My colleague Willie Penrose published a Bill in July that would ensure that the electricity, gas and water networks continued to remain in public ownership.

"It is vital that citizens around the country have absolute confidence that the water infrastructure will remain in public ownership."

(CD/LM)