Minister denies report of problems with water meter installation

The Minister for the Environment has denied that the water metering programme has been scaled back, saying it is ahead of schedule.

There were claims made by Sinn Féin yesterday that the installation of water meters was to stop at the end of this week, following reports that 35 water meter installers were being laid off.

Sinn Féin's statement yesterday evening said that the party's environment spokesperson, Brian Stanley, had received information that GMC Sierra told sub-contractors that they will no longer be engaged after this Friday.

Minister Alan Kelly says the installers have been appallingly treated by protestors, including one being bitten, but he denied the programme was being scaled back.

"That's completely ridiculous and false," he said. "I listened to this yesterday evening … and as I was driving home from the Dáil last night I met quite a number of people putting in water meters, he said.

Pressed by reporters, he added: "In relation to the individual circumstances of every company, that's a matter for themselves.

"All I'm saying is - no way is the water meter programme being scrapped. In fact, it's ahead of schedule."

The Minister's comments mirror a statement issued by Irish Water's parent company, Ervia, last night, which said metering in Dublin has not come to a halt, but it cannot comment on the specifics of its contracts with third parties for confidentiality reasons.