The Minister for the Environment has denied that the water metering programme has been scaled back, saying itÂ’s ahead of schedule.

There were claims made by Sinn Fein yesterday that the installation of water meters was to stop at the end of this week.

It follows reports that 35 water meter installers were being laid off.

Minister Alan Kelly says the installers have been appallingly treated by protestors, including one being bitten, but he denied the programme was being scaled back: