Public set to have its say on right to water - Referendum on issue backed by Oireachtas committee

A referendum on ensuring water services are protected by the Constitution and kept in public ownership is looking likely after an Oireachtas committee agreed to recommend the measures.

Attempts to introduce compulsory fittings of water meters in new home builds have also been blocked, in a move that could stall or even finish the domestic water metering programme in Ireland.

Fianna Fáil yesterday blocked Fine Gael efforts to ensure building regulations are changed so that all new homes are fitted with water meters. A private meeting of the Oireachtas water committee saw members debate the promotion of water conservation methods, boosting the role of the public water forum as well as calls for a referendum on keeping water in public ownership.