Fianna Fáil is seeking assurances that small local contractors will be used to install water meters in each community across the country.

The party's Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen is also seeking clarification on the job security of the 4,200 local authority workers who are currently employed in water services across the country.

Mr Cowen said: "Irish Water has said the water metering programme will create 1,600 jobs. It is crucial that each local community benefit from this job creation. I am seeking assurances from Minister Hogan and Irish Water that the three appointed regional contractors will make every effort to use local workers to install meters in their communities.

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"I am also appealing once again for clarity on the future of 4,200 existing water services jobs in local authorities across the country. I have questioned Minister Hogan about this on several occasions and he has repeatedly failed to provide any assurances to those workers who fear for their jobs as a result of the water reform plans."

(CD/JP)