President Micheal D Higgins today signed the Water Services Bill into law.

In a statement from Aras an Uachtarain this afternoon, the President was said to have given careful consideration to all aspects of the Bill, and the submissions he received.

The President had received requests to refer the Bill to the Council of State.

"The President gave consideration to the Bill, taking into account Bunreacht na hÉireann including Article 26 and the submissions received," the statement explains.

Sinn Féin, the Technical Group and several independent TDs had written to President Higgins to ask him to not sign the Water Services Bill into law.

Sinn Féin Whip Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said, “the will of the people has been clearly illustrated on this issue with thousands demonstrating outside Leinster House on December 10.

"The Irish people should have the right to decide on an issue of such national importance through a referendum," he added.