Irish Water: Domestic water charges scheme to begin

Water charges are to be introduced for households across the Republic of Ireland within the next 24 hours.

The state-wide charging scheme means millions of residents have to pay for domestic supply for the first time.

The bills will have the most impact in urban areas, as rural dwellers who are not on mains supply have already been paying for water for decades.

The introduction of the controversial charges were a key part of Ireland's international financial bailout deal.

Diarmaid Fleming reports.