The CEO of Irish WaterÂ’s parent company has admitted the utility has Â’come up shortÂ’ in explaining how the charge is run.

Ervia chief Michael McNicholas says the Â‘failureÂ’ to explain the Â‘needÂ’ for a water charge - and an overhaul of water infrastructure - was made worse by poor explanation about the costs involved.

He was speaking at a debate on the Irish Water saga at the MacGill Summer School in Co Donegal - where Environment Minister Alan Kelly came in for criticism for dropping out because of a diary clash.

Ervia's Michael McNicholas says much more could have been done to allay public fears: