Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said the government has “listened to and addressed” the “main issues” raised by anti-water charge protests.

Speaking today at the announcement of 100 new jobs at TTM Healthcare in Ballymalley Business Park in County Clare, Mr Kenny said: “I stress again that the main issues that were brought to our attention by the people over the last number of weeks and months have been listened to and have been addressed by the government,” he said.

The government last week unveiled a number of changes to the utility's price structure, among other issues. 

The Taoiseach also said the issue of the water metering programme “is a matter for Irish Water.”

The cap on charges was lowered, with a single adult household now capped at €160 and others at €260.
Households that register with Irish Water will now receive a €100 Water Conservation Grant each year. This would be deducted from the final bill.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin called the announcement “a climb down”.

Anti-water charges groups insisted the bills would not be paid, regardless of the government’s changes. Paul Murphy TD said people would “not be fooled” by the new measures.

The Taoiseach was met by a crowd of approximately 50 protesters at the event and there was a strong garda presence throughout the day.

Speaking to Clare FM, the Taoiseach said the protest was “perfectly legitimate and perfectly peaceful” and he didn’t “have any difficulty with that at all.”

“In a democracy people are perfectly entitled to express their concerns and their anxieties peacefully,” he said.

On Friday night the Taoiseach attended a function in Roscommon and was heckled by protesters in a pub.