Dublin City councillors say Irish Water needs to check up on who its paying to set up metering in homes. It comes after it emerged the Council has had to pay €136,000 for damage done to pipes during the installation process.

According to the Irish Times, contractors working for Irish Water have damaged pipes outside one in every 50 homes.

By the end of last month, over 12,500 meters were installed across the capital city, with Dublin City Council called in to repair nearly 250 leaks.

However €89,000 of this money has been refunded by the Department of the Environment.

But it is understood the Department has told the City Council it will not be handing over any more cash for repairs.

Irish Water has said any contractor deemed liable for damage to pipes, will be responsible for covering the cost of repairs.

Fine Gael Councillor Naoise O'Muiri says it is essential the local authority is not left out of pocket, and that there is a quality and standards issue that needs addressing.