Covid-19 restrictions provided the opportunity for many to rediscover Ireland’s natural water resources – beaches, lakes and rivers – on their doorstep. The Environmental Protection Agency’s latest report on urban wastewater spells out the extent of the failure of Irish Water to not only ensure wastewater is safe to discharge in all instances, but to deliver on commitments. Two years ago, the utility advised it would provide necessary treatment infrastructure by the end of 2021 for 30 of the 35 areas discharging raw sewage. It should be acknowledged Irish Water inherited problems with some projects when it took over responsibility for water delivery from local authorities. Irish Water says planning difficulties, especially where new facilities are involved, is the biggest factor undermining timely delivery.

Source: The Irish Times November 16, 2020 00:00 UTC