Irish Water cannot be gold-plated

Irish Water cannot be “gold-plated”, Social Protection Minister Joan Burton warned as she renewed criticism of the semi-state monopoly.

As the row continued to rage over the €180m start-up costs, which will see €86m of taxpayers’ money given to outside consultants, Ms Burton said the company needed to get its priorities right.

“We have big problems to address in relation to water, we want to see that done efficiently and effectively,” said Ms Burton. “Citizens and families will be paying and we want to see an effective service, not a gold-plated service.”