It's feared up to 30 contractors in Kerry could be out of work because of a plan by Irish Water to alter the way it appoints plant hire contractors.
The issue was brought up at the monthly meeting of Kerry County Council by Cllr Johnny Healy-Rae, who himself is a director of a company that carries out such work for Irish Water.
Cllr Johnny Healy-Rae says there are up to 30 contractors in Kerry with one or two machines, who are regularly called on at short notice to provide their vehicles for water network repairs in the county.
He says Kerry County Council staff carries out the work on the ground, but the machinery is supplied by a private contractor - he added this has been the same process for the past up to 60 years.
The Independent Cllr, who declared he himself is a director of a plant hire business used for such works, said Irish Water now wants to have one main contractor per county, or one to cover a number of counties.
He says such a move would result in these contractors with local knowledge who have provided a prompt and value for money service for many years, being left without work.
He questioned how one contractor could provide a quick service, saying areas with water breaks would be left waiting with one contractor having to service a large area.
Independent Cllr Brendan Cronin agreed, saying Irish Water's plan for one contractor for the county was very concerning.
Chief Executive Moira Murrell said Irish Water is aware of the council's position on the matter, and added the council has been very lucky where there are breaks, they're dealt with quickly.
