Seanad defeat over public vote on Irish Water

The Government is to consider Seanad calls for a public vote to protect the public ownership of Irish Water after it suffered an embarrassing defeat in the Upper House.

Labour senators yesterday backed an Opposition motion for citizens to be allowed vote on the need to ensure Irish Water remains in public ownership.

The Fianna Fáil motion was carried a day after Taoiseach Enda Kenny ruled out any vote on the issue.