Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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264. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if the lead pipe replacement grant will be available retrospectively (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26442/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Earlier this month I announced a National Strategy to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water which has been approved by the Government. The Strategy was prepared by my Department and the Department of Health in consultation with Irish Water, the Health Service Executive and the Environmental Protection Agency. As part of the Strategy I will be establishing a new grant scheme to assist with the replacement of lead pipes in homes. Funding for the scheme will be finalised in the context of Budget 2016. It is envisaged that the grant scheme will be administered by local authorities and that the available resources will be prioritised to areas of highest risk. It will be important to ensure that the limited financial resources available are targeted where needed most, particularly to householders on lower incomes. Income thresholds and other eligibility will therefore apply. The terms and conditions of the new scheme will be publicised as soon as they are finalised.

Householders undertaking replacement works in advance of the new scheme should have regard to the assistance which may be available under the Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) Scheme introduced under Section 5 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 2013. The HRI scheme covers main residence repairs, renovations and improvements, including plumbing works. The scheme is administered by the Revenue Commissioners and full details are published on Revenue's website at:.