The situation is “simply not good enough”, the agency said as it threatened to prosecute Uisce Éireann if it is not urgently addressed. An EPA report found that 59 per cent of treatment plants raised concerns, with pollution posing risks to public health and the environment. The agency identified 78 towns, villages and cities that must be prioritised for upgrades and improvements. “The main causes [of failures] are inadequate infrastructure and poor operation and management of treatment plants,” the EPA said. “Too many wastewater treatment plants are failing to meet licence standards due to poor management and maintenance practices.
