The Environmental Protection Agency has sharply criticised the state of Ireland’s wastewater treatment infrastructure, warning that persistent failures are damaging rivers, lakes and coastal waters despite recent progress.

In its Urban Wastewater Treatment in 2024 report, published today, the EPA confirmed that daily discharges of raw sewage have halved since the start of the year, thanks to targeted investment in priority areas. New treatment plants in towns like Arklow and Kilrush are credited with stopping untreated sewage from flowing into the environment.

But the report paints a bleak picture overall. Nearly 60 percent of licensed treatment plants are failing to meet EPA pollution standards, with breakdowns and poor management cited as key reasons. The agency said failures range from short-term breaches to chronic discharges of inadequately treated wastewater.

“Too many plants are simply not being run properly,” said Noel Byrne, EPA Programme Manager. “When they break down or are neglected, our environment pays the price. That’s not acceptable.”

The EPA has prosecuted Uisce Éireann 28 times for failing to treat wastewater correctly. It is now demanding urgent action to improve operations and maintenance across the country.

The report identifies 78 priority areas where upgrades are most needed. These include 15 towns and villages still discharging raw sewage daily, 14 large urban centres that failed to meet EU standards, and 34 locations where wastewater is harming water quality. Uisce Éireann has yet to begin work at half of these sites.

Pat Byrne, Director of the EPA’s Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring, said delays in delivering infrastructure upgrades are prolonging environmental damage. “Uisce Éireann must accelerate the pace of delivery to ensure cleaner rivers, estuaries, lakes and coastal waters,” he said.

The report also highlights risks to endangered species and shellfish waters, with little progress made at several critical locations. Two sewer networks near beaches with poor bathing water quality are awaiting upgrades, while six urban areas must complete works to comply with a 2019 EU court ruling.

The full report and details of the affected areas are available on the EPA website.