Serious concerns have been raised over the sewage discharge levels in Co Louth.

A report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified specific areas, including Dundalk, Drogheda, Castlebellingham and Omeath as among areas that require improvements to resolve environmental priorities. Drogheda and Dundalk are identified as areas that are non-compliant with more stringent treatment requirements.

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said the issue is a "cause for concern".

He said: "Eight Louth areas – Ardee, Blackrock, Castlebellingham, Drogheda, Dundalk, Dunleer, Omeath and Tallanstown - are among the 148 priority urban areas where improvements are required to meet the EU’s standards.

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"Among the 50 large urban areas that have failed to meet the EU’s legally binding standards for the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water, are Ardee, Drogheda and Dundalk. The EPA report also reveals that untreated sewage is being discharged at Omeath.

"The reality is that local infrastructure falls far short of the necessary requirements to effectively manage these matters because of the consistent failure by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour.

"The EPA report makes for damning reading. Raw sewage is being released into the environment from 44 urban areas. Works to eliminate raw sewage from many areas are delayed by up to three years. Improvements are needed at 148 urban areas to comply with EU treatment standards.

"Significant capital investment is needed to upgrade deficient waste water treatment systems, improve water quality and avoid financial penalties. The government's failure to invest properly means that the State is being brought to the European Court of Justice for breaching the urban waste water treatment directive and could be liable for large fines."

(CD)