The European Commission (EC) has confirmed it is to take action against Ireland over failures under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

The Green Party has welcomed the decision and said that the government's failure to invest in wastewater treatment in urban areas was harming the environment.

Party Leader Eamon Ryan called for urgent action in response to the Commission decision.

He said: "Whenever we experience heavy rain, we end up with raw sewage overflowing into our rivers, lakes and seas, thanks to the lack of wastewater processing facilities. Raw sewage is still being discharged into the environment in 43 locations around the country. The negative effects this has on the environment, tourism, jobs and the economy is shocking.

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"The State is facing fines in the hundreds of millions for failing to meet their commitments in this area. Irish Water says it will cost a billion euro to rectify the situation. Surely it makes more sense to make the necessary investment now, so we avoid even bigger fines in the future?"

Senator Grace O’Sullivan, who is a member of the Oireachtas Water Committee, said that she would be pushing for a consistent funding stream for investment in water infrastructure.

(CD)