‘Modest’ rates for water on way after protests

The Coalition is set to cave in to the massive public revolt against water charges by agreeing to more "modest" rates.

A partial U-turn on the charges was indicated after the boss of Irish Water, John Tierney, apologised to the public for how the charge has been handled.

A range of options are being considered and the Government will announce changes next week in an effort to contain the backlash against the “last straw” of austerity.