Barry Cowen rejects EU warning on water

Fianna Fáil housing spokesperson Barry Cowen has strongly rejected Brussels’ claims his plan to avoid water charges by fining misusers is illegal, describing the view as “premature”.

The opposition TD heavily criticised the comment after Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes yesterday released a letter from European environment commissioner Karmenu Vella which warned Ireland will not be allowed to implement the plan.

Last month, Mr Cowen told the Oireachtas water committee his party will now not support the reintroduction of water charges.