The Government has been slammed over it's lack of urgency in addressing water quality in Ireland.

The Green Party made the comments after a report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed that 700,000 people are at risk of contamination.

Leader Eamon Ryan TD said: "While Irish Water have made considerable progress on water issues in the last year, which is to be welcomed, the fact that 700,000 people in this country are at risk of contaminated water supplies is incredibly concerning.

-- Advertisement --

"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.

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

(CD/LM)