Gardaí called to stand-off between Irish Water and Dublin residents

THE Fine Gael/Labour Government should face the fact that it has lost the argument on water charges and should end the roll-out of water meters, according to Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha.

Speaking following today's stand-off between protesters and Irish Water contractors and gardai in Edenmore in Dublin Bay North, Cllr Mac Donncha, who represents the area, said:

“People gave a very clear verdict in the local and European elections – they can't pay water charges and they don’t want water meters. Protests have taken place throughout Dublin and throughout the country and in a number of places Irish Water has had to suspend operations.

“Today's stand-off in Edenmore saw gardai attending the scene. This is a waste of Garda time and all because Environment Minister Phil Hogan and the Coalition Government are determined to force through these inequitable and unnecessary charges.

“The Irish Water fiasco should be brought to an end and the installations should cease."