The Government is being urged to tackle the problem of water quality in Ireland.

The Green Party said that continuing water treatment issues threaten tourism, public health and the environment.

The party called for more urgency from Government in addressing water quality issues, following the publication of the Environment Protection Agency's latest waste water report.

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According to the report, raw sewage is being discharged into the water at 44 locations around the country.

Senator Grace O'Sullivan said: "While we welcome the fact that improvements are being made, and most waters meet the minimum standards set by the EU, the progress in addressing poor water quality at other locations remains worryingly slow.

"It is extremely worrying to see that 140 urban areas need improvements to address environmental issues in order to meet the EU Waste Water Directive. It is unacceptable that raw sewage is being discharged at 44 locations around the country.

"These failures threaten public health, tourism and the environment. Bathers are at risk of skin irritation and illness if exposed to pollution in these areas."

(CD/LM)