Irish Water: Kildare Communities See Benefit From Highest Investment

Thursday, 20 October 2022 16:21

File image: Irish Water Logo via @IrishWater/Twitter

Following today's publication of new EPA report

Irish Water has noted 2021's highest ever annual investment in wastewater treatment, has benefitted Kildare communities.

The body said "in Co. Kildare, investment in wastewater infrastructure across the county has led to significant improvements in water quality, while also supporting housing and economic development in these areas. Several additional projects are also underway."

The utility company did refer to today's Environmental Protection Agency report, and acknowledgement of the upgrading to Ireland's wastewater treatment plants.

Irish Water took over responsibility for public water services in 2012.

They note "60% of raw sewage discharges by volume have been eliminated through targeted investment in new sewerage infrastructure where none existed previously, and we are on target to eliminate nearly all of the remainder by 2025."

Irish Water added working in partnership with Kildare County Council, they are "currently upgrading elements of the wastewater treatment plant at Robertstown under the national Inlet Works, Storm and Sludge Programme. These works are due to be completed by the end of 2022."

The EPA's report revealed over 30 towns and villages are still releasing raw sewage into the environment every day because they do not have treatment plants

Last year, the EPA prosecuted Irish Water for failing to take appropriate action in response to equipment failures at a pump station near Naas, which had resulted in the release of raw sewage into the River Liffey.

The report found 12 large towns and cities did not meet wastewater treatment standards that have been set by the European Union, to protect the environment.

These areas generate half of Ireland's wastewater.