Calls for referendum on protecting water

The call comes as the new Government begins forming a commission to examine how the service should be paid for into the future. 

The discussions were largely to blame for the delay in forming the new minority Fine Gael led administration. 

IMPACT represents 60'000 workers – 50'000 of those are in the public sector – with many working for Irish Water. 

General Secretary Shay Cody says a vote should be held first and then allowances created for those who can't afford to pay for the services