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25/09/2008
Irish Pre-70s Housing In Danger Of Lead Contamination
Following the recent discovery of lead contamination in areas of Galway, fears are growing that the problem could affect homes throughout Ireland.
Those households suffering from the problem were built before 1970, and used lead piping for their plumbing.
On Wednesday, emergency pipes were being installed on the city streets to provide drinking water for the homes affected by the problem.
A testing programme is now underway in Galway, with up to 5,000 homes thought to contain lead pipes. And although all council built homes post 1970 were built with plastic pipes, the extent of private homes built using lead plumbing after the date is not known.
Pregnant women and children under six years of age are reckoned to be most at risk from contamination by the lead-infected water. Galway City Council has advised that boiling water will not remove lead, and has instead recommended that those at risk drink bottled water.
Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, said on Tuesday afternoon that the crisis must be dealt with as quickly as possible.
"It's totally unacceptable that people in this day and age have to drink water with a lead content," he said.
"I know it’s a small area but it is simply not acceptable; that’s why I am urging the local authorities along with the EPA, with whom I have given extra powers, along with the HSA to deal with the situation as soon as possible."
(DW)
Those households suffering from the problem were built before 1970, and used lead piping for their plumbing.
On Wednesday, emergency pipes were being installed on the city streets to provide drinking water for the homes affected by the problem.
A testing programme is now underway in Galway, with up to 5,000 homes thought to contain lead pipes. And although all council built homes post 1970 were built with plastic pipes, the extent of private homes built using lead plumbing after the date is not known.
Pregnant women and children under six years of age are reckoned to be most at risk from contamination by the lead-infected water. Galway City Council has advised that boiling water will not remove lead, and has instead recommended that those at risk drink bottled water.
Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, said on Tuesday afternoon that the crisis must be dealt with as quickly as possible.
"It's totally unacceptable that people in this day and age have to drink water with a lead content," he said.
"I know it’s a small area but it is simply not acceptable; that’s why I am urging the local authorities along with the EPA, with whom I have given extra powers, along with the HSA to deal with the situation as soon as possible."
(DW)
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07 August 2015
Irish Water Criticised Over Attitude To Lead Piping
Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson has branded Irish Water’s attitude to lead piping in the water system as "disgraceful". Brian Stanley made the comments after the company sent letters to 26,000 households saying that they would not be removing lead pipes until householders took action first.
Irish Water Criticised Over Attitude To Lead Piping
Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson has branded Irish Water’s attitude to lead piping in the water system as "disgraceful". Brian Stanley made the comments after the company sent letters to 26,000 households saying that they would not be removing lead pipes until householders took action first.
30 September 2008
Test Results On Galway Residents Released
Medical tests carried out on the Galway residents who had been exposed to high levels of lead from their water supply show that none have yet suffered from lead toxicity.
Test Results On Galway Residents Released
Medical tests carried out on the Galway residents who had been exposed to high levels of lead from their water supply show that none have yet suffered from lead toxicity.
05 May 2015
Irish Water Money 'Better Spent On Infrastructure' - SF
Following the publication of a report revealing "dangerous levels" of lead in the Dublin water system, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment Brian Stanley has said that the "huge amounts of money being expended on Irish Water and water meters would be better spent addressing the problems of leaks and outdated infrastructure".
Irish Water Money 'Better Spent On Infrastructure' - SF
Following the publication of a report revealing "dangerous levels" of lead in the Dublin water system, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment Brian Stanley has said that the "huge amounts of money being expended on Irish Water and water meters would be better spent addressing the problems of leaks and outdated infrastructure".
09 July 2014
FF Launch Bill Seeking Exemption For Families With Boil Water Notices
Homes subject to a boil water notice shouldn't have to pay the water charge, a new Bill published by Fianna Fáil has said. Launched by the party's spokesperson on Environment, Barry Cowen, the Bill is seeking an exemption for families subject to a boil water notice or faced with increased levels of lead in their water pipes.
FF Launch Bill Seeking Exemption For Families With Boil Water Notices
Homes subject to a boil water notice shouldn't have to pay the water charge, a new Bill published by Fianna Fáil has said. Launched by the party's spokesperson on Environment, Barry Cowen, the Bill is seeking an exemption for families subject to a boil water notice or faced with increased levels of lead in their water pipes.
24 March 2015
Thousands Of Dublin Homes Could Have Contaminated Drinking Water
Up to 8,500 homes in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area of Dublin may have drinking water contaminated by lead. According to reports this figure is twice the national average previously estimated by Irish Water. The figure was revealed in response to a query from Green Party councillor, Ossian Smyth.
Thousands Of Dublin Homes Could Have Contaminated Drinking Water
Up to 8,500 homes in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area of Dublin may have drinking water contaminated by lead. According to reports this figure is twice the national average previously estimated by Irish Water. The figure was revealed in response to a query from Green Party councillor, Ossian Smyth.
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