Opposition parties have attacked plans to charge homeowners for the cost of water meters when installation begins later this year.
Sinn Féin said attempts to impose water charges will be resisted, while Fianna Fáil said it opposes any charge for installing meters.
Last night, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said people would have to pay for the meter itself, but the cost of installation would be covered by money from the National Pension Reserve Fund.
Sinn Féin Environment Spokesman Brian Stanley told RTÉ's Morning Ireland that the money would be better spent repairing leaks on the water system and his party would vigorously oppose water charges.
"When householders see the full effects of this being rolled out on top of what's coming in the budget in December - because bear in mind there will be €3.5/4bn in further cuts - and other measures that the government and troika will be planning, I think householders will make up their own minds, and do what they need to do and they won't pay," he said.
Niall Collins of Fianna Fáil told the programme that his party accepted the need for water charges, but did not think the public should be asked to pay for the meter.
"We accept the concept of having to pay for some water above a generous free usage. That detail has yet to be developed and given to the public. We are totally opposed to any charging for the installation of water meters," he said.
He said the Government should first look at savings that can be achieved in the cost of running local government outlined in the McCarthy Report.
"I think it's fair for people to expect that if a government has a report on its desk which details savings of half a million euro per annum, that those savings should first be achieved before you impose these charges on hard-pressed families."
Labour Deputy Robert Dowds has said he is "embarrassed" by the Government's ambiguity in relation to water meters.
He said the Government should have a clear plan in relation to such issues.
Speculation not particularly helpful - Richard Bruton
The Minister for Enterprise has said the Government has not yet made a decision on the introduction of water meters and said the Department of the Environment will be developing proposals on the matter and will be bringing them to cabinet.
Richard Bruton said he understands that people want to know what is going to happen in relation to the meters and said it is only when the final decision is made that they will be in a position to clarify matters for residents.
He said speculation in advance of a Government decision is not particularly helpful.
The Taoiseach said that absolutely no decision has been made about the cost and a decision will not be made until a report by the Department of the Environment for the Cabinet.
Speaking in Ballaghaderreen at the border midlands and western assembly offices, Enda Kenny said the Government is very conscious of the burden on the public caused by charges but it is expected that up to 2,000 jobs will be created on the installation of the new water meters throughout the country.
He was met by a small group of protesters from the Roscommon action committee, the turf cutters and contractors association and other interest groups.
