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Lead Remediation Financial Assistance

Domestic Lead Remediation Scheme

Introduction

The Domestic Lead Remediation Grant Scheme has been in existence since 2016 and the Department of Housing, Local Government and heritage have revised the eligibility criteria with effect from 1 December 2022.

Exposure to lead in drinking water has been identified as a serious public health risk. It was commonly used in plumbing systems in Ireland up to and including the 1970s, so some people may still be getting water through these systems. The aim of the grant is to assist households with the cost of replacing lead pipes and fittings within the boundaries of the property.  The grant is available if you receive a water supply from either a public or private water supplier.

Revised grant scheme available from 1 December 2022

The Domestic Lead Remediation Grant Scheme has been reviewed and a revised version of it will be available from 1 December 2022. The revised scheme will mean that more people can access the grant. From 1 December 2022, the scheme:

  • Has no means test
  • Pays 100% of qualifying costs up to €5,000
  • Is open to people living in rented accommodation, as long as they have been renting long-term and have the owner’s permission

These changes were brought in under the Housing (Domestic Lead Remediation Grant) Regulations 2022. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has published Terms and Conditions for the revised scheme, where you can find more information.

Can I get a grant to replace my lead pipes?

To be eligible for the grant, you must live in the property as your principal private residence. The lead pipes and fittings being replaced must be part of a system that carries water for preparing food or drinks or for direct human consumption.

You must show evidence of a risk of lead contamination in your home.  Acceptable evidence is either:

(a) a notification from a water supplier advising that there is likely to be lead pipes and related fittings within the internal distribution system of the house concerned, or

(b) a certificate dated within the six months immediately prior to the date of application by a laboratory accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Board confirming a parametric value for lead in the drinking water supply to the house concerned, which exceeds the statutory limit, of 10μg/l, or

(c) a notification from a registered building professional advising that there are lead pipes and related fittings located within the internal distribution system of the house concerned.

Who is a registered building professional?

A registered building professional is either:

  • an Architect on the register maintained by the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland under Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007
  • a Chartered Engineer on the register maintained by Engineers Ireland under Section 7 of the Institute of Civil Engineers of Ireland (Charter Amendment) Act 1969, or
  • a Building Surveyor on the register maintained by Part 5 of the Building Control Act 2007.

Lead pipes outside your property's boundary?

If your drinking water comes through lead pipes that are outside the boundaries of your property, they must also be replaced. If you are a customer of Uisce Éireann and you plan to replace the lead pipes within your property’s boundary, you must first apply for Uisce Éireann ’s Customer Opt-In Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme. Under this scheme, Uisce Éireann will replace any lead pipes on the public side of your property’s boundary.

How much is the grant?

The level of grant shall be based on the approved costs in relation to the replacement of lead pipes and related fittings.  The approved cost shall not exceed the following limits:

The level of grant aid available is determined on the basis of 100% of the approved cost of the works, subject to a maximum of €5,000.

The minimum expenditure, on eligible works, required to process the application is €750.

How can I apply?

There are frequently asked questions that you can read for more information and to help you fill in the application form.

Complete the application form and send it, and the required documentation to:

Louth County Council

County Hall

Millennium Centre

St. Alphonsus Road

Dundalk

Co. Louth

Eircode A91 KFW6

Phone:  042-9335457

Email: ruralw@louthcoco.ie

For information on how to apply for Uisce Éireann ’s Customer Opt-In Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme, read more on water.ie or contact Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 or +353 1 707 2828.

Claim Form

Customer Leaflet Lead EV

Claim Form Irish

.Customer Leaflet Lead IV Irish.

Frequently asked Questions

Freagrai ar do Cheisteanna

Terms and Conditions

Tearmai agus Coinniollacha

Leaflet Replacement of Lead Supply Pipes Guidance Note