Fianna Fáil has insisted the Government was wrong to suggest the average homeowner will face an annual water charge of €240.

The party's environment spokesman Barry Cowen said the cost would be much higher and launched a website, www. irishwatercharges.com, which calculates costs for different family sizes.

He said the calculations were based on Central Statistics Office figures on water usage and claimed the costs associated with water had not been divulged in full by the Government.

“That issue amongst others is something people need to consider when they go to the polls on Friday and not believe the spin that has been on this issue since inception,” Mr Cowen said.

Mr Cowen said the Government “spin” had worked to date, but the website was an initial effort to inform people of the “real” costs.

“This shows just how disingenuous the Government has been about the real cost of water for families across the country.”