According to a report published in the Irish Independent this morning it is believed that Irish Water have discovered traces of lead in the pipes of 75,000 homes across the country.
The disturbing discovery has prompted the Environment Minister Alan Kelly to propose that a grant system be introduced to those in low income households to deal with the issue. The report says that Mr Kelly will put forward the proposal to Cabinet this afternoon. The discovery has been deemed a “public health risk”. The discovery has also prompted the government to launch a public awareness campaign over the next few weeks. It is understood that the government are hugely concerned that the lead levels could have a major impact on the health of pregnant women and small children.
Although the report states that not everyone affected by the issue will receive a grant. It is believed that the Government will only issue grants to those who have a significantly low income. A government spokesman has said that the funding will come from a number of different departments. The spokesman said: “Our main aim, though, is raising awareness about how people can minimise exposure to this public health risk.”