The Government has been slammed over its "lack of urgency" in addressing water quality and environmental issues.

The Green Party hit out after a report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that water supplies serving 700,000 people are at risk of contamination.

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Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD said the Government have prioritised political expediency and refunding water charges, rather than putting the levels of funding required into addressing the serious deficiencies in our water and wastewater treatment services.

He said: "Water quality failures threaten public health, tourism and the environment. The Government must show greater urgency in tackling the problem of water quality."

(CD/MH)