Declan Gormley was one of three non-executive directors who were axed along with the organisation's chairman by Stormont's Regional Development minister Conor Murphy on Friday.

The move came after a review highlighted alleged failings in governance arrangements within the semi-public body which oversees Northern Ireland's water supply.

The independent probe also noted that major contracts were awarded without competitive tendering.

But Mr Gormley, 52, vehemently denied he had done anything wrong: "I do not agree with the decision and believe it is unmerited and without due cause," he said of his sacking.

"I utterly refute any wrong doing on my behalf in discharging my duties as a Non Executive Director at Northern Ireland Water during my 20 months on the Board. At all times I have acted in accordance with my responsibilities as a Company Director, and reiterate that I have done nothing during my period on the Board which would merit any sanction never mind dismissal."

Mr Murphy's top level cull was the latest in a series of controversies to rock NIW, with concerns over its dealings having dogged the organisation since it was set up three years ago.

A further internal probe is now investigating if senior staff at NIW should face disciplinary action.

Mr Gormley, who is the chief executive of a local manufacturing company, was dismissed along with fellow non-executive directors John Ballard and Ruth Thompson and NIW chairman Chris Mellor.

The Co Londonderry man questioned how the independent review team had come to its conclusion. "No specific act or omission of mine has been brought to my attention which leads me to question my conduct," he said.