Operational Wastewater Treatment Failures Must Be Addressed Immediately

IFA Environment Chair John Murphy said the findings of the EPA’s Urban Wastewater Treatment in 2025 report, which found that 55% of licensed wastewater treatment plants failed to consistently meet their licence standards, are deeply concerning.

John Murphy said that while the construction of new wastewater treatment plants and the upgrading of existing facilities will require sustained investment and take many years to complete, the significant operational and maintenance failures, which account for nearly half of non-compliance, are wholly unacceptable.

“These are issues that can and must be addressed immediately,” said John Murphy.

The report identified more than 600 environmental incidents attributed to operational and maintenance problems during 2025. Better management, preventative maintenance and effective oversight are urgently required to reduce the volume of inadequately treated wastewater entering our waterways.

It also highlighted concerns around stormwater overflows, with 294 of the 2,489 identified overflows failing to meet national criteria designed to limit pollution.

“Heavier and more intense rainfall is placing increasing pressure on stormwater overflow systems, increasing the risk of untreated wastewater entering local rivers and waterways,” he said.

“Farmers and local communities are witnessing firsthand the impact of these discharges. Many people who are not located in the vicinity of these pipes do not realise the immediate and significant impact inadequately treated wastewater can have on the biological health and ecological status of local rivers.”

“There needs to be greater transparency around wastewater non-compliance, environmental incidents and the frequency and impact of stormwater overflows, particularly in relation to communities directly affected,” said Mr. Murphy.

He said communities deserve timely and accessible information on wastewater discharges in their local areas, the corrective measures being taken and when improvements will be delivered. Uisce Éireann must engage directly with affected communities and provide greater transparency and accountability.

“Farmers and the wider agri-food sector know we have a job to do and are making significant investments and continually adapting our practices to minimise nutrient losses. The State must demonstrate leadership by ensuring wastewater infrastructure and discharges are properly managed and Ireland meets its obligations under the Water Framework Directive.

“Failure to achieve water quality targets has significant potential economic consequences for farmers, including further regulatory requirements, additional compliance costs and restrictions on farming activity. It is essential that all sectors play their part and are held to the same standards in protecting our water resources,” concluded John Murphy.