Commentators have credited Fórsa with forcing a Government U-turn on an Irish Water referendum after the Cabinet decided last week to consult the Attorney General (AG) on a plebiscite to guarantee that water services stay in public ownership.

Fórsa and other unions had pressed the issue as part of discussions on the future status of Irish Water and its relationship with local authorities, which deliver most water services on the ground.

The union, which represents water staff in local authorities and Irish Water, welcomed progress towards a referendum but called on the Government to ensure that the wording of a proposed constitutional amendment reflects and sustains existing all-party support for keeping water in public control.

Fórsa official Peter Nolan said: “The cabinet decision comes on foot of a sustained campaign for a referendum by Fórsa, ICTU and other unions. It should be possible to develop a wording that reflects public opinion and ensures that all the major political parties support the amendment when it is put in a referendum, which should take place on the same day as next May’s local and European elections.”