Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 October 2008
136 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding steps taken in response to the discovery of higher than recommended levels of lead in water supplies in Galway city in September 2008. [33079/08]
View answerFollowing a recent tap water survey in Galway City, elevated levels of lead were found in a number of houses. Public health advises have been issued to residents and food business operators in Galway City. The HSE also advised residents in households where elevated lead levels in tap water have been recorded to have their blood lead levels checked. The HSE received results of blood lead levels in respect of the 35 people tested on the 29 September 2008 and I have been advised that, as the test results are within the normal range, none of those tested have any evidence of lead toxicity.
A programme of work has been agreed between Galway City Council, the HSE and the Environmental Protection Agency including the adjustment of the pH of the water, so as to reduce the interaction between the water and the lead pipes over the coming weeks, and the carrying out of the necessary works to replace the lead pipe distribution network thereafter.
