Dangerous levels of lead are showing in parts of the water system in Dublin, according to a new report.

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment Brian Stanley TD said instead of spending huge amounts of money on water meters it would be better spent on addressing the problems of leaks and outdated infrastructure.

Deputy Stanley said: "We have seen close to €100 million spent on incompetent 'consultants', €570 million so far on water meters, even though people are being charged a flat rate, and millions more on inflated executive salaries. Meanwhile, the water system continues to lose around half of the water supply between source and user.

-- Advertisement --

"Much of that is due not to household waste, but to an out dated and creaking infrastructure. Indeed, the system is so badly in need of repair that studies have found that lead levels in parts of the country are at dangerous high levels. Reports today show lead levels in some homes in Dublin at 80 times the legal limit. What clearer message is there that it is our supply infrastructure, not metering system, which needs rapid investment?"

(CD/MH)