Ireland's environmental watchdog has warned the equivalent of three Olympic-size swimming pools of untreated raw sewage are flowing into Ireland's water systems every day because of a lack of water treatment plants.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) raised the concern in a detailed report which has criticised Uisce Éireann.
In its Urban Waste Water Treatment report for 2022, the EPA said over half of Ireland's wastewater discharges are not meeting EU standards to protect the environment.
The report said while there has been some good progress in reducing the number of areas with no treatment, including six villages being connected to treatment plants over the past year, a further 26 towns and villages remain unconnected.
These were: Roundstone, Carraroe, Spiddal and Ahascragh in Co Galway, Newport in Co Mayo, Ramelton, Coolatee, Rathmullan, Moville, Burtonport, Falcarragh and Kerrykeel in Co Donegal and Omeath in Co Louth.
As well as: Doldrum Bay in Howth, Co Dublin, Avoca and Arklow in Co Wicklow, Kilmore Quay in Co Wexford, Ballycotton, Whitegate and Castletownshend in Co Cork, Foynes and Glin in Co Limerick, Kilkee, Kilrush, Ballyvaughan and Liscannor in Co Clare.
These areas have a combined population of 54,000 people.
The report also said while Uisce Éireann has promised that 20 of the above towns and villages "will have [water] treatment [plants] in place by the end of 2025", all 26 areas will not be addressed until "the end of 2028".
The report states that raw sewage poses an unacceptable risk to the environment and public health and recommends the areas "must be connected to treatment as soon as possible".
"It will take substantial and sustained investment over the next two decades to bring all deficient treatment systems up to standard, and also provide for future needs," it says.
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On Uisce Éireann, it says the body "should have a long-term plan for this work", but that it "does not have clear plans to prevent pollution at some of the most significantly impacted water bodies".
The report also said 55% of Ireland's urban wastewater was produced in the 15 areas that failed EU standards, and that many of these areas "need new treatment infrastructure".
The EPA says Uisce Éireann does not currently have enough information about discharges of wastewater from storm overflow systems. The organisation called on Uisce Éireann to build a "comprehensive picture" on the use of the system.
In a statement accompanying the report's publication, EPA director Dr Tom Ryan said it was concerning that 30 years after Ireland was due to comply with EU environmental protection standards, less than half of wastewater is treated to these standards.
"While it is encouraging to see continued progress in stopping the unacceptable practice of discharging raw sewage into our environment, wastewater remains a significant pressure on Ireland's waterways and is adversely impacting water quality.
The pace at which Uisce Éireann is delivering improvements needs to accelerate to prevent pollution and protect water quality.
"Uisce Éireann must take the opportunity of its new investment plan for 2025 to 2029 to deliver wastewater infrastructure that meets the needs of our society and protects and improves our environment into the future.
"The investment plan must prioritise resources to prevent pollution in the priority areas highlighted by the EPA."
The EPA's programme manager Noel Byrne said it was welcome that Uisce Éireann is currently building infrastructure at large urban areas.
"Poor management practices at upgraded plants, such as Skibbereen and Courtmacsherry, caused inadequately treated sewage to discharge into the environment," he said.
"This is not acceptable as these plants have sufficient treatment capacity.
"Uisce Éireann must implement effective maintenance programmes for existing infrastructure and improve its operation and management of treatment plants to prevent such failures in future."
Read more of RTÉ's coverage on environmental issues
In a statement, Uisce Éireann said a record €450m was spent on wastewater services last year, but a multi-billion-euro investment plan is needed for Ireland's water network.
"Ending raw sewage discharges and improving wastewater treatment for cities, towns and villages across the country are priorities for Uisce Éireann.
"We are making huge strides in addressing these issues and we are now seeing real and tangible benefits from the unprecedented level of investment in this essential infrastructure.
"To date over 70% of raw sewage discharges nationwide have been eliminated and we are on track to end the majority by 2025," head of infrastructure delivery at Uisce Éireann Brian Sheehan said.
"Our targeted programme of investment in existing wastewater plants and networks is also helping to protect the environment and enhance water quality.
"The timely delivery of this infrastructure and services is a critical component in supporting sustainable social and economic development.
"Last year we invested over €1bln in water and wastewater projects, and we will need to maintain this level of funding in the years to come.
"It will also be necessary to address existing issues in our planning and approvals system so that large scale critical infrastructure can progress within a reasonable timeframe.
"We will continue to work with Government and our regulators to ensure we can rise to the challenge of delivering transformative wastewater services to enable communities to thrive," said Mr Sheehan.
Meanwhile, the Minster for the Environment has said he is confident Uisce Éireann will be able to stop the flow of untreated raw sewage into water systems.
Eamon Ryan said "we have to stop that" and he said "we have to improve our waters".
He was responding to the findings of the EPA's report and said "we need to be razor focused" on stopping the discharge of raw sewage, but he said it was also important to acknowledge that Uisce Éireann "are making progress".
"So, there is progress and you do have to recognise that because otherwise people wouldn't continue putting money into it."
However, Mr Ryan said "we need to go further and do more".
"We have to stop that pumping of raw sewage, we can do it and I'm confident Uisce Éireann will do it."
The Green Party leader also said the water utility needs "a strategic long term plan to invest in new wastewater treatment facilities, so we can build housing in our towns and villages."
Additional reporting Fergal O'Brien
