Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for replying on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. I take some comfort from the fact that the strategy being developed will be completed in one month. We hope there will be positive responses in that. I note the Minister of State saying there was a 60,000 km distribution system but that only 2 km of water mains comprises of lead pipes. She also said that backyard lead piping will be dealt with by Irish Water. She said there were between 30,000 and 40,000 houses in that situation. I must, however, express the concern my constituents feel on this matter. There have been a number of media articles on this problem. It has aroused concern in particular in regard to the effect it might have on children. I hope that when the strategy report is published those issues will be addressed and that people's fears will be allayed.

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