The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says three Olympic sized swimming pools of raw untreated sewage is flowing into Ireland's water systems every day.
The latest Urban Waste Water Treatment report from the EPA, says less than half of waste water here is treated to European standards, with huge issues recorded in Dublin and Cork.
15 towns and cities across the country are not meeting EU standards, which the EPA says is putting the local population and environment at risk.
The environmental watchdog says delays by Uisce Éireann are prolonging the risks to the environment and public health.
Last year just 45% of Ireland’s sewage was treated to EU standards set to protect the environment. More: https://t.co/cKKXfwtI6m pic.twitter.com/ZKt7ruZI7M
— EPA Ireland (@EPAIreland) October 26, 2023
The EPA says Uisce Éireann still does not have clear plans to prevent pollution at some of the most significantly impacted water bodies, and it is vital these are resolved through its new investment plan.
Noel Byrne from the EPA says Uisce Éireann need to show they're going to fix these issues or they could face further legal action.
"That particular issue of not having plans in place for some of these priority areas that are causing pollution, there was five court cases taken this year on that specific issue and they were all convicted on them.
"So we do need to see Uisce Éirean resolving these. We don't want to be going to court.
"We want to see the environment brought back to where it needs to be".
