Three Olympic size swimming pools of untreated sewage flowing into our water each year, says EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned that untreated raw sewage is flowing into water systems all over Ireland due to lack of water treatment plants.

According to the environmental watchdog, the equivalent of three Olympic-size swimming pools of this untreated waste is streaming into our water every day.

The EPA have since criticised Uisce Éireann after raising the concerns in a detailed report in which they described over half of the country's wastewater discharges are not meeting EU standards. 

The report revealed 26 towns and villages around Ireland, that have a combined population of 54,000, are not connected to treatments plants which were;

Coolatee, Rathmullen, Burtonport, Roundstone, Carraroe, Omeath in Co Louth, Kerrykeel in Co Donegal, Falcarragh, Moville, Ramelton, Newport in Co Mayo, Spiddal, Ahascragh in Co Galway, Avoca and Arklow in Co Wicklow, Kilmore Quay in Co Wexford, Foynes and Glin in Co Limerick, Doldrum Bay in Howth, Ballycotton, Kilkee, Ballyvaughan, Kilrush, Whitegate and Castletownshend in Co Cork and Liscannor in Co Clare.

In the report, it states Uisce Éireann had promised 20 of the towns and villages above that water treatment will be in place by 2025 but now all 26 areas will not be addressed until the end of 2028.

The report recommends the areas must be connected to treatment as soon as possible as raw sewage poses and unacceptable risk to public health and the environment.

The report says that Uisce Éireann "should have a long-term plan for this work", but that it "does not have clear plans to prevent pollution at some of the most significantly impacted water bodies" adding that "It will take substantial and sustained investment over the next two decades to bring all deficient treatment systems up to standard, and also provide for future needs". 

EPA director Dr Tom Ryan said it was concerning that 30 years after Ireland was due to comply with EU environmental protection standards, less than half of wastewater is treated to these standards.

He said:

"While it is encouraging to see continued progress in stopping the unacceptable practice of discharging raw sewage into our environment, wastewater remains a significant pressure on Ireland's waterways and is adversely impacting water quality.

"Uisce ireann must take the opportunity of its new investment plan for 2025 to 2029 to deliver wastewater infrastructure that meets the needs of our society and protects and improves our environment into the future.

"The investment plan must prioritise resources to prevent pollution in the priority areas highlighted by the EPA."

Uisce Éireann released a statement to say a record €450m was spent on wastewater services in 2022, but a multi billion euro investment plan is needed for the country's water network.

"Ending raw sewage discharges and improving wastewater treatment for cities, towns and villages across the county are priorities for Uisce Éireann.

"We are making huge strides in addressing these issues and we are now seeing real and tangible benefits from the unprecedented level of investment in this essential infrastructure."