Households are being urged to apply for a grant available to remove lead pipes from homes in Ireland.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien today announced the launch of the campaign.

Older housing stock built before the 1980s may contain lead pipes which in turn causes lead – which can be harmful to health - to enter drinking water. The Domestic Lead Remediation Grant Scheme provides funding for 100% of the approved cost of works to replace lead pipes, up to €5,000.

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The grant is administered by local authorities and is not means-tested. The removal of lead pipes is the most effective way to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water and the available grant has the aim of replacing lead pipes with healthier, modern alternatives in the interests of public health.

From today, a Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage advertising campaign will encourage affected home owners to avail of the scheme.

Minister O'Brien said: "Through this campaign we are encouraging people to consider replacing old lead pipes with the support of the funding. We are committed to removing remaining lead piping entirely from our drinking water supply and this campaign seeks to raise awareness of the Government supports available for householders. The campaign follows from improvements to the grant that we made late last year meaning more households should now be able to avail of this grant."