Last-ditch attempt to thwart Irish Water bill

Independent senators will make a last-ditch attempt to thwart the Government’s Irish Water bill this morning by pushing for any future privatisation of the firm to be agreed by referendum.

The bid will be made at the committee stage of the bill today, after the legislation passed through the second of three stages needed to turn it into law yesterday.

After more than 40 hours of Dáil debate, Environment Minister Alan Kelly managed to ensure the bill — and an amendment to hold a non-binding plebiscite national vote if bids are ever made to privatise the firm — was passed by 81 votes to 58 on Tuesday night.