Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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353. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will fund the replacement of lead piping by local authorities to prevent the danger of water becoming contaminated. [44369/13]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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361. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide grant aid to households for the replacement of lead pipes to improve the quality and safety of water supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44549/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 361 together.

My Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides funding for works by water services authorities for water conservation. Works carried out under the water conservation programme can involve the replacement of lead water distribution mains. In addition, in 2011, my Department clarified certain matters for local authorities in relation to the National Water Conservation Programme. In particular, the category of works for which Departmental funding is available was extended to cover the removal of common backyard services, which can often involve lead piping.

The Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigns the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake the water metering programme. As part of the metering programme, Irish Water will be identifying the location of any lead service connections during the installation programme.