Water charges are expected to be delayed as part of a new package of measures to be agreed today by Cabinet.

Households will not pay for water until January, instead of the start of October, so the first bill won't arrive until April next year.

A cap of at least four years is also expected, with final bills likely to be less than €200 a year for families.

The final plan will be agreed by Cabinet today, and is due to be announced in the Dáil tomorrow.