Cold water poured on lead pipe plan

Irish Water’s €370m plan to eradicate lead pipes from the public water system could be money down the drain as householders refuse to budge on fulfilling their end of the deal.

The utility has already begun pouring resources into removing the dangerous metal from public mains to safeguard against a wide range of illnesses and problems affecting fertility, development and mental health.

However, its own technical reports say the efforts will “not achieve significant benefits” if private householders do not replace the last section of pipe running through their garden and house.