Fine Gael councillors want views heard on water charges

Grassroots Fine Gael councillors have insisted their views on the future of water charges must be given attention before any decision is taken on how to tackle the controversy.

The situation was outlined to TDs and senators at a meeting held behind closed doors, during which senator Joe O’Reilly added his name to a growing list of politicians who now favour refunds.

Speaking at Fine Gael’s weekly parliamentary party meeting, a number of TDs said councillors have been in touch to stress they want the six Fine Gael TDs on the 20-person Dáil water committee to hear their views.