The mother of a teenager who had a corrosive substance thrown over him during an attack in Waterford has hit out after his attackers will not receive criminal charges.

The attackers, who are also teenagers, will instead receive juvenile cautions.

Tega Agberhiere, who was 16 at the time of the attack in April last year, sustained first degree burns to his face.

After spending four days in hospital in Waterford, he was transferred to Cork University Hospital due to the severity of his injuries.

He suffered burns to his face, head and neck.

Two other boys were also injured in the attack when a corrosive substance was used.

Tega Agberhiere sustained first degree burns to his face after a corrosive substance was thrown over him during an attack in Waterford

They all required medical attention for burns and were taken to University Hospital Waterford Hospital.

His mother, Christy Agbherhiere, told Newstalk Breakfast she cannot believe the decision.

"It's unreal, I'm struggling with it - I can't believe my eyes - I'm angry about it, disappointed.

"I thought with the gravity of what happened, because it was premeditated, that's my thing.

"They planned it, they got the acid - we don't take acid in the streets of Waterford - it was well-planned".

"Just for you to come and say this person that poured the acid and the other person that brought the gangs together you give them the juvenile caution.

"I just feel it's unreal: I feel they should get punished for what they did.

"They should bear the consequence because they got three innocent boys injured - scarred for life".

"This scar they are going to carry all around the rest of their lives, apart from the scar what about the emotional part of it?

"They went through an awful, awful time... they did skin grafts.

"So why would they just get a juvenile caution - a slap on the wrist.

"What is the police or the State or the people in charge of this case... what message are they sending to the teenagers of Ireland?

"I feel the State is protecting the criminals.

"I just feel ashamed that a country like this, there's no equality".