Irish Water has admitted that the containers for household water meters don't meet the technical standards set down by the government.

But the utility claims that the so-called 'boundary boxes' are still more than strong enough to withstand the weight of cars driving over them.

It's confirmed that while Department of Environment rules require boundary boxes to meet what's called 'Grade B' standard, most of its boxes are only of Grade D.

But Jerry Grant of Irish Water this evening told TDs that there was no reason to worry about the quality of boxes: