Cork county councillors have asked the County Hall executive to provide financial expertise to help elected members get to grips with the annual budget.

The body representing residential landlords says it is "unbelievable, unacceptable, and unfair" that its members may be required to collect tenants’ outstanding water charges on behalf of Irish Water and has suggested the provision may be unconstitutional.

A mass wave of water protests will be staged across the country this weekend as public anger over the controversial charges continues.