Irish Water says it is working to tackle environmental issues in Portarlington and Portlaoise

Irish Water says Portarlington's sewerage treatment will will be upgraded by next year while it is also carrying out a drainage area plan for Portlaoise.

In a recent statement following the publication of a report by the Environmental Protection Agency, the State-owned company said it is addressing wastewater challenges by investing €2 million to upgrade the Portarlington Wastewater Treatment plant.

"The works are underway on site and will be complete and compliant by August 2017," he said.

The company is also carrying out a Drainage Area Plan for the Portlaoise wastewater network.

"The initial stage of the plan has been completed. Survey works are currently being procured by Irish Water and the surveys are expected to commence in Q2 2017 and concluded in Q4 2017. Once the surveys have concluded and recommendations reviewed Irish Water will provide an update on any upgrades that may be required," he said.

Irish Water said it has a plan to address all of the issues and concerns, including those in Laois raised by the Environmental Protection Agency and is already making progress.