The Domestic Lead Remediation Grant Scheme was launched in 2016 and has been updated by the Housing (Domestic Lead Remediation Grant) Regulations 2022
02:00, 13 Nov 2025Updated 07:55, 13 Nov 2025
Money in the radiator(Image: Kinga Krzeminska)
Homeowners may be unaware that they could qualify for a home grant worth up to €5,000.
The Domestic Lead Remediation Grant Scheme was introduced in 2016 and has been revised by the Housing (Domestic Lead Remediation Grant) Regulations 2022. This grant is intended to help individuals cover the costs of replacing lead pipes in their homes.
Lead in drinking water poses a health risk, especially to young children, pregnant women, and babies who are bottle-fed. Both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) caution that there is no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead was commonly used in plumbing systems until the 1970s, so some people may still be getting water through these systems. The most effective way to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water is to replace any lead pipes, reports RSVP Live.
There are only two main conditions to meet in order to benefit from the grant.
To qualify
- The lead pipes and fittings being replaced must be part of a system that carries water for food or drink preparation, or for direct human consumption.
- You must reside in the property as your usual place of residence. If you rent the property, you must have the owner’s permission to carry out the work.
You will not qualify for the grant if the property is:
- A private holiday home
- A commercial property, for example, a short-term holiday home or self-catering property
- Owned by a local authority, approved housing body or the Health Service Executive
Previously, there was a means test for the grant, but this was abolished on 1 December 2022.
How much is the grant?
The grant covers the full cost of eligible work up to a maximum of €5,000. If the pipe replacement costs less than €750, you will not be eligible for the grant. You can include the cost of obtaining proof from a laboratory or a registered building professional that you have lead pipes, up to a limit of 200.
A shot of old water pipes in the wallHow to apply
Complete the application form (pdf) and submit it to your local authority along with the necessary documents, including receipts and certifications. The work must be finished before you apply for the grant.
However, ensure you have complied with all the Terms and Conditions of the Domestic Lead Remediation Grant Scheme (pdf) before commencing the work. If your application is incomplete, you may not receive payment.
You are required to provide proof that the lead pipes in your home need replacing. This can be:
- A notification from your water supplier (Uisce Éireann or a group water scheme) advising that your water system probably contains lead pipes and fittings
- A laboratory certificate issued within the previous 6 months, showing that the level of lead in your water supply is over the legal limit. The issuing laboratory must be accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) for testing for lead in drinking water.
- A notification from a registered building professional advising that your water system has lead pipes. Registered building professionals include registered architects, chartered engineers, and registered building surveyors.
Any contractor you employ must provide you with either a:
- Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number
- Revenue Online Service (ROS) printout of an eTax Clearance certificate
They must supply you with itemised receipts, detailing the work carried out and the associated costs. They must also certify that any materials used, including pipes and fittings, are of suitable quality and that a proper standard of workmanship has been maintained.
Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage .