Seven towns and villages in Clare have been highlighted as areas of concern, when it comes to the levels of raw sewage being released into the environment.
The EPA’s latest report shows just half of Ireland’s sewage is treated to European Union standards, well below the EU average of 90 per cent.
The Environmental Protection Agency has today released it’s report on Urban Waste Water Treatment for last year.
The watchdog says poorly treated sewage across the country continues to harm the quality of rivers and lakes.
The report highlights 5 areas in Clare where raw sewage was released into the environment in mid-2022 because the public sewers are not connected to treatment plants.
Irish Water says treatment will be provided for Clarecastle, Kilrush and Liscannor in 2023.
Kilkee and Ballyvaughan have been given treatment dates in 2025, with the latter having its treatment date pushed back by a year.
Kilmihil and Quin, meanwhile, are among 38 areas listed as needing improvement as a priority, to prevent waste water discharges from harming rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters.
The report also notes the upgrade of Shannon treatment plant in 2021, which it says delivered improvements in effluent quality, resulting in this area meeting the treatment standards for the first time.
Ennis South in Clare was also brought into compliance last year, by improving the operation and management of the plant.
