Menu
16/02/2012
Half Of Ireland's Treatment Plants Below Standard
Almost 50% of Ireland’s wastewater treatment plants are failing to achieve national and EU standards, according to a report released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This report is the first review of the operation of wastewater treatment plants at 529 urban areas since they became subject to a new licensing regime being rolled out by the EPA.
Among the main findings are that 46% of wastewater treatment plants did not meet all wastewater quality standards or EPA guidelines.
Meanwhile, eleven large urban areas do not meet the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) requirement to have secondary treatment in place.
These include, Bray and Ringaskiddy where the provision of treatment is now ten years overdue; Clifden, where the old plant is impacting on bathing water; and Moville where discharges are causing serious pollution to the River Bredagh.
Commenting on the report Gerard O’Leary, Programme Manager, in the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement said: “This level of performance is poor and needs to improve. In order to meet EU targets further investment in infrastructure is required and we need a step change in the operation and maintenance of these valuable assets.”
Also commenting on the Report, Dara Lynott, Director, Office of Environmental Enforcement said: “Meeting our EU targets will require substantial and sustained investment. However, the benefits of such investment extend beyond water quality, as clean water is a pre-requisite for our tourism, food, agriculture and manufacturing industries.”
(DW)
This report is the first review of the operation of wastewater treatment plants at 529 urban areas since they became subject to a new licensing regime being rolled out by the EPA.
Among the main findings are that 46% of wastewater treatment plants did not meet all wastewater quality standards or EPA guidelines.
Meanwhile, eleven large urban areas do not meet the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) requirement to have secondary treatment in place.
These include, Bray and Ringaskiddy where the provision of treatment is now ten years overdue; Clifden, where the old plant is impacting on bathing water; and Moville where discharges are causing serious pollution to the River Bredagh.
Commenting on the report Gerard O’Leary, Programme Manager, in the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement said: “This level of performance is poor and needs to improve. In order to meet EU targets further investment in infrastructure is required and we need a step change in the operation and maintenance of these valuable assets.”
Also commenting on the Report, Dara Lynott, Director, Office of Environmental Enforcement said: “Meeting our EU targets will require substantial and sustained investment. However, the benefits of such investment extend beyond water quality, as clean water is a pre-requisite for our tourism, food, agriculture and manufacturing industries.”
(DW)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 November 2015
Govt Accused Of Putting Lives At Risk With Water Treatment System
The government has been accused of putting lives at risk with its "failure" to put in place a 21st century water treatment system. Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh made the comment following the publication of the Environmental Protection Agency's Urban Waste Water Report for 2014.
Govt Accused Of Putting Lives At Risk With Water Treatment System
The government has been accused of putting lives at risk with its "failure" to put in place a 21st century water treatment system. Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh made the comment following the publication of the Environmental Protection Agency's Urban Waste Water Report for 2014.
20 January 2015
EPA Warn Irish Water About Water Treatment Plants
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has told Irish Water that "significant investment" is needed to address the quality of the water supply. The EPA has identified 121 water supply facilities they consider to be "at risk" due to inadequate disinfection and water management systems.
EPA Warn Irish Water About Water Treatment Plants
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has told Irish Water that "significant investment" is needed to address the quality of the water supply. The EPA has identified 121 water supply facilities they consider to be "at risk" due to inadequate disinfection and water management systems.
18 October 2024
Water Supply Remains Up To Standard
Uisce Éireann has reassured customers supplied by the Vartry Water Treatment Plant in parts of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and North Wicklow that their drinking water continues to meet regulatory standards.
Water Supply Remains Up To Standard
Uisce Éireann has reassured customers supplied by the Vartry Water Treatment Plant in parts of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and North Wicklow that their drinking water continues to meet regulatory standards.
03 May 2013
Strike Action For Waste Water Treatment Plant Workers
SIPTU members at Shanganagh Waste Water Treatment Plant will begin strike action on Tuesday, 7th May, at 6.30 a.m., in response to their employer's refusal to recognise the workers right to be collectively represented by their union. The workers voted unanimously for strike action at the plant on Thursday, April 25th.
Strike Action For Waste Water Treatment Plant Workers
SIPTU members at Shanganagh Waste Water Treatment Plant will begin strike action on Tuesday, 7th May, at 6.30 a.m., in response to their employer's refusal to recognise the workers right to be collectively represented by their union. The workers voted unanimously for strike action at the plant on Thursday, April 25th.
10 September 2019
EPA Raise Concerns Over 'Inadequate' Drinking Water Plants
Cryptosporidium, a bug that causes serious stomach illness, was found in 25 public water supplies in 2018, up from 17 in 2017 and 12 in 2016, according to the latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
EPA Raise Concerns Over 'Inadequate' Drinking Water Plants
Cryptosporidium, a bug that causes serious stomach illness, was found in 25 public water supplies in 2018, up from 17 in 2017 and 12 in 2016, according to the latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Scattered showers of rain, sleet and, over hills, snow in the morning with sunny spells, the best of these in the south. The showers dying out this afternoon with increasing amounts of sunshine. Occasionally fresh westerly or northwesterly winds easing. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Clear start with a fairly widespread frost developing. Increasing cloud brings occasionally heavy rain overnight, preceded, especially over western hills, briefly by snow. Occasional southeasterly gales, severe near coasts, developing. Minimum temperature -2 °C.
