Irish Water Finds Lead Contaminated Pipes

Irish government reacts to the Irish Water finding and offers pipe repair grants for low income households

Environment Minister Alan Kelly will today brief Cabinet on the discovery, which has been described as a "public health risk".

There is particular concern about the impact the lead levels will have on pregnant women and small children - prompting the Government to launch a major awareness campaign in the coming weeks.

Among the measures set to be discussed at Cabinet is the establishment of a grant system targeted at low income households who will require to have the lead issue addressed.

However, not all households affected will be entitled to State support, a Government source told the Irish Independent.

The response from the Government will involve input and financial support from a number of departments, including Education, Environment and Health.

"The main aim though is raising awareness about how people can minimise exposure to this public health risk," a source said.

The plan will be closely examined by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA).

The discovery that 5pc of homes have excessive lead levels was reported to Mr Kelly by Irish Water following the company's meter programme.

Senior Government figures are likely to argue that the discovery illustrates the benefit of having the water supply brought under a public utility.

Government sources say a multi-million euro investment will also see pipes in schools, hospitals and other public buildings being replaced.

The issue of lead in hundreds of schools is of particular concern.

Many of the schools affected have buildings constructed prior to the 1970s and therefore the water supply is at greater risk of contamination.

The Department of Education is expected to provide a list of buildings which require urgent work.

Source: Independent

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Taxonomy

• Public Health
• Pollution
• Water Risk
• Pipes and Pipelines