Raw sewage discharge in 11 Irish towns and villages

A new report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveals that raw sewage is being discharged daily in 11 towns and villages across Ireland. These areas serve a population equivalent to around 15,000 people.

The number of affected towns and villages has decreased from 29 at the start of 2023. New treatment plants are under construction at two of these locations, with work set to begin shortly at a third.

The remaining eight locations are in various stages of design and planning, with some expected to have treatment plants completed by 2030. However, completion dates for these sites remain uncertain.

The EPA report also found that 55% of the 505 licensed wastewater treatment plants in Ireland failed to meet EPA standards for preventing pollution in 2025. This is a decrease from 59% in 2024.

The report attributes these failures to both deficient infrastructure and poor operation and maintenance. The EPA warned that operational issues remain common and could have been prevented with better management.

Uisce Éireann acknowledged the EPA’s concerns and noted that while 13 towns and cities did not meet standards, 177 did. Of the 190 large urban areas assessed, 93% complied with EPA standards.

Uisce Éireann stated it invested €454 million in wastewater services last year and is focused on addressing challenges and improving services. It also acknowledged the need for significant investment and modernization of aging infrastructure.