New support scheme launched to help householders replace lead pipes in private homes

THE MINISTER for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien has launched a new campaign to create awareness of the improved grants which are available to remove lead pipes from private homes.

The grant complements Uisce Éireann’s  Customer Opt-In scheme which replaces lead pipes on the public side of your property free of charge. 

To qualify for funding under the grant scheme, householders must have replaced the lead private supply pipe.

Older housing stock built before the 1980’s may contain lead pipes which in turn causes lead in your water and can be harmful to health.

You can find more information on the risks of lead on the HSE website - click here.

The Domestic Lead Remediation Grant Scheme provides funding for 100% of the approved cost of works to replace lead pipes (up to €5,000). 

The grant is administered by local authorities and is not means-tested. 

The removal of lead pipes is the most effective way to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water and the available grant has the aim of replacing lead pipes with healthier, modern alternatives in the interests of public health. 

Affected homeowners are encouraged to avail of the scheme. 

The Minister said; “Through this campaign we are encouraging people to consider replacing old lead pipes with the support of the funding. We are committed to removing remaining lead piping entirely from our drinking water supply and this campaign seeks to raise awareness of the Government support available for householders.  The campaign follows from improvements to the grant that we made late last year meaning more households should now be able to avail of this grant.”

People can find out if their homes contain lead pipes by checking the pipe running from the water main to your kitchen tap and looking for the point where the water supply pipe enters your house. 

Unpainted lead pipes are dull grey in colour and the joints appear to be ‘swollen’. 

They are also soft and scraping the surface with a coin and will reveal a shiny, silver metal beneath.

A qualified plumber or a registered building professional can also check the type of pipework in your home.