Irish Water wants independent inspectorate

Threats to safe drinking water include the presence of lead from ageing lead pipes

It comes after burst pipes caused by freezing temperatures during heavy snowfalls resulted in water shortages around the country.

Irish Water is calling for a drinking water inspectorate to provide independent updates to the public on the safety of water supplies.

It comes after burst pipes caused by freezing temperatures during heavy snowfalls resulted in water shortages around the country.

But the role of assessing the safety of public water supplies is currently split between Irish Water, the HSE and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Irish Water has called for the establishment of ...