Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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1044. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when he will introduce a grant scheme for low-income households to assist with the replacement of lead pipes in their homes. [37430/15]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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1103. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the options available for householders who are experiencing high levels of lead in their water pipes in Marino, Dublin 3 and in Raheny, Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38239/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1044 and 1103 together.

The Water Services Act 2007 provides that the owner of a premises is responsible for the maintenance and renewal of the internal water distribution system to ensure that water intended for human consumption meets required quality standards. Responsibility for replacing lead pipes or fittings within the property boundaries, including within the house itself therefore rests with the homeowner.

In a joint position paper on lead published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2013, it is recommended that all lead pipes and plumbing in public and in private ownership should be replaced over time. The full document is available to download from the HSE’s website at: .

On 9 June 2015, I announced a Government-approved National Strategy to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. The Strategy was prepared by my Department and the Department of Health in consultation with Irish Water, the HSE and the EPA, in order to map the scale of the problem and identify measures to mitigate any risks to human health posed by lead in drinking water. The appendix to the strategy, available on my Department’s website, also provided a copy of the information being issued to customers by Irish Water.

As part of the Strategy, I will be establishing a new grant-aid scheme to assist low income households to replace lead pipes in their homes. It is envisaged that the scheme will be administered by the local authorities and that income thresholds and other eligibility criteria will apply. The terms and conditions of the new scheme, including the eligibility criteria, will be publicised as soon as they are finalised.