Fianna Fáil U-turn on water sees party back Fine Gael

Fianna Fáil TDs have said they received a “backlash” over their initial position on water charges as the party yesterday did another U-turn and backed government plans to levy homes and continue metering.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney will later this week begin drafting legislation, which could see thousands of people receive new levies and up to half a million new homes metered.

The Oireachtas Committee on Water completed its work and recommendations last night, after months of debate and squabbling over how to fund future services and comply with EU law.