Confusion over charges and split on referendum

The escalating row over water charges threatens to split the Coalition amid continuing confusion over what households will be asked to pay for the controversial levy.

It has also emerged that one in four households who have so far responded to Irish Water’s registration campaign have said they are not water customers or refused to pay charges.

Tánaiste Joan Burton yesterday signalled that charges look set to be capped for at least two years and longer in a bid to defuse public anger.