Ennis, Lahinch & Shannon Failed To Meet EU Wastewater Treatment Standards In 2020

Ennis, Lahinch and Shannon failed to meet EU wastewater treatment standards last year.

A new report released this morning by the EPA says it could take over 20 years to bring Ireland’s waste water infrastructure up to standard.

The Environmental Protection Agency says while there has been some progress on upgrading wastewater infrastructure by Irish Water, the pace is still too slow.

CONTINUE READING BELOW

12 large towns and cities nationally failed to meet standards set by the EU in 2020 – three of them here in Clare.

Shannon, Lahinch and the South of Ennis’ wastewater has been deemed not to meet “basic effluent quality standards” when tested by officials.

Five areas in this county – Ballyvaughan, Clarecastle, Kilkee, Kilrush and Liscannor – continue to released untreated sewage into the environment every day.

Works in Clarecastle, Kilrush and Liscannor are due to be completed in 2023, with those in Ballyvaughan waiting until 2024 and Kilkee residents facing a further wait until 2025 for appropriate wastewater infrastructure.

The EPA also says ‘improvements are needed’ in the Kilmihil and Quin areas to ensure wastewater doesn’t harm rivers and lakes in the area.

The body says Ireland must provide further funding for upgraded infrastructure to protect the environment, or reduce the risk of significant fines from the EU.