Noonan dismisses water levy protests

Today’s water charge protests have been dismissed by Minister for Finance Michael Noonan as just the opposition "having their last rally around the water issue".

His remarks come as anti-Irish Water sentiment reaches new heights with almost 100 protests planned in towns and cities.

It has also emerged that the State’s human rights watchdog has told the UN the setting-up of Irish Water was “potentially impacting” on the right of people to access water and sanitation. In a bid to address public concerns, the Government is considering options to ease payments for households. However, clarity on bills could be weeks away.