EPA says urgent action needed as Ballina-Killaloe wastewater fails to meet treatment standards

Over half of wastewater plants fall short of EPA standards as untreated discharges continue

The Environmental Protection Agency has warned that immediate action is needed to protect Ireland’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters from further decline in water quality. A new EPA report published today highlights continuing failures in wastewater treatment across the country. It found that wastewater is still being discharged from many areas without sufficient treatment, contributing to pollution and environmental damage.

According to the agency, more than half of licensed treatment plants do not always meet EPA standards. Around 10 percent of storm water overflows also fail to comply with national standards that are designed to limit the release of untreated wastewater during heavy rainfall.

The report identifies several areas where wastewater treatment continues to fall short. Among them is the Ballina-Killaloe area, which did not meet secondary treatment standards required under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

The EPA said these shortcomings pose a continuing threat to Ireland’s water environment and to the country’s ability to meet EU environmental obligations. It has called for accelerated investment in wastewater infrastructure and stronger management of treatment systems to ensure compliance.

Niall Horgan, senior wastewater compliance manager with Uisce Éireann, said the utility is aware of the scale of the challenge but noted that progress is being made.

“Significant progress has been made, but there are still many challenges ahead,” he said.

The agency added that consistent maintenance, upgrading of older treatment facilities and tighter enforcement of standards will be vital in preventing further deterioration of Ireland’s waterways.