Water protests becoming a steady stream

The initial trickle of local protests against the installation of water meters is quickly becoming a steady stream as standoffs in two estates in Cork continue to inspire spin-offs in three Leinster counties.

Yesterday, residents in two estates in Togher, Cork, continued to stop contractors getting access to their pathways in the third day of their picket.

The residents pledged support to a neighbouring estate that got notice that installation work is to begin on Monday.

In Dublin, a large crowd turned out to continue a similar protest at Edenmore, Raheny.

Residents also took stands in Portlaoise and an estate in Wexford.

At a political level, Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has sought to present a less adversarial image of the Cabinet by rubbishing suggestions that the proposed charges could split the Coalition.

He said the matter would be dealt with by Government but that issues around metering and how the vulnerable would pay still needed to be resolved.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin warned the Government not to introduce a model irrespective of homeowners’ circumstances.

Launching the party’s Dublin election campaign, Mr Martin said his party supported some sort of water payments. However, he said pensioners were worried how the charge would apply.

The party’s manifesto includes pledges for councillors to reduce the local property tax by 15%, increase social housing provision and set up a dedicated Dublin city centre garda public order unit.