Protests spread as water charge talks continue

Protests against the installation of water meters spread yesterday as the Coalition partners tried to reach agreement over how the charge should be imposed on the less well off.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said the proposed €240 average annual charge was a “big bill for those on low incomes” and that a way had to be found to “address” that.

He said he did not know if the Cabinet would be able to resolve the issue at its meeting today, adding: “I am anxious that we bring certainty and conclusion to it as soon as possible, but also anxious we get it right.”