FF: Water charges package a 'massive climbdown'
Fianna Fáil has said today's package of measures on water charges was a "massive climbdown" by the coalition and that the setting up of Irish Water was an "unmitigated disaster".
Environment Spokesman Barry Cowen said money had already been wasted by the Government.
"The Government's determination to bring in Irish Water has cost the taxpayer hundreds of millions of euro (and) stalled any progress in infrastructure," he said.
"€700m was spent in the set-up of Irish Water and the installation of meters. Not one cent was invested in the ground or in any pipe."
Meanwhile, the Dáil was suspended for 45 minutes after opposition TDs complained that Alan Kelly had left during its debate.
Full text of Minister Alan Kelly's speech here.
