Lead water pipes and charges
Micheál Martin asks about grants and legislation for replacing lead water pipes, household costs, and continued water charges where supplies are unsafe. The Taoiseach outlines the Government strategy and says charges will not apply where Irish Water supplies undrinkable water, while interjections prompt the Chair to end the debate.
On the extensive media coverage concerning a means tested grant to allow people to replace water pipes in their homes to decrease lead levels in their water supply, has the Government indicated when we can expect a water services Bill to implement that? What will be the average cost per household for this work? Can the Taoiseach outline the rationale as to why people will be charged for this pipe replacement while they will continue to be charged for water when lead levels are not safe? Does he agree water charges should be removed for those homes affected?
Comment on this
In respect of the strategy approved by the Government today arising from the water metering programme of Irish Water which discovered that there are significant numbers of houses with lead piping through which their water supply flows, most of these are pre-1960 builds. Some buildings affected were built between 1960 and 1970, including public buildings, schools and houses.
The regulator issued a ruling that where Irish Water was supplying water that was not drinkable or was not up to standard, then there would be no charge. For the majority of those cases where the water flowing through the pipe to the point mostly on the private residence where the lead pipe takes over to bring it through to a sink or a water tank, the Government has now introduced a grant assistance and a home improvement grant which has been in place but will be continued. The details of this were announced earlier by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
In cases where water supplied by Irish Water is not drinkable, there is no charge as the regulator has ruled. Cases with the water coming through to the point where the lead begins is the issue. That is why the Government wants to support people to replace these pipes from the mains to the private accommodation where it actually applies.
Comment on this
I am not being facetious but they do not get to drink it when it is underground. Is it safe?
Comment on this
Get out the lead of your pencil.
