There has been significant improvements in the ratings for bathing water in Ireland, according to the EPA Bathing Water Quality Report 2015.

By the end of 2016, Irish Water will have invested approximately €650 million in upgrading wastewater infrastructure.

The report shows that of the seven bathing water areas rated as 'Poor' last year two have had their ratings upgraded in areas where Irish Water has carried out significant works while a further four have showed improvements in test samples taken in 2015. The work carried out by Irish Water in many instances related to sewage discharges where the infrastructure had been inadequate to properly treat wastewater.

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Michael Tinsley, Wastewater Capital Lead at Irish Water said: "The EPA's Bathing Water Quality Report 2015 shows significant improvements in bathing water areas around the country. These improvements in many cases are associated with works carried out on wastewater infrastructure by Irish Water. However, we have a long way to go as Irish Water continues to focus on addressing the issue of 44 towns where there is no wastewater treatment at all.

"Irish Water will continue with urgent upgrades to our wastewater infrastructure to bring bathing waters impacted by urban waste water to the required standard. Irish bathing waters continue to be among the best in northern Europe and maintaining these high quality standards is very much dependent on the successful operation and maintenance of wastewater infrastructure around our coasts by Irish Water and ensuring the long term capacity of these plants is secured."

(CD)