Uisce Éireann has been tackling long-running issues such as raw sewage discharges by investing in Ireland's wastewater infrastructure.

The latest EPA Urban Wastewater Treatment Report highlights the progress made and the need for continued investment in our essential wastewater services.

As Uisce Éireann continues to make progress in priority areas, 2022 saw the highest annual investment in wastewater to date of over €450 million.

The EPA recognises that the building, repair and upgrading of Ireland's wastewater treatment plants and sewer network will require a multi-billion euro investment programme over many years.

Due to the construction of new treatment plants where none existed previously, 28 towns and villages across the country are benefitting from cleaner waters and enhanced amenities. There are currently 11 more locations under construction including towns like Arklow, Kilrush Ballycotton & Ramelton. This means that, since 2014, over 70 per cent of all raw sewage discharges have now been eliminated, with the majority of the rest to be ended by 2025.

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Uisce Eireann is also driving sustained improvement in existing wastewater treatment standards, 91 per cent of Ireland's treatment plants were fully compliant with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive last year. Uisce Éireann has a plan of action to address any plants that are not currently achieving compliance.

Ireland’s largest wastewater treatment plant in Ringsend that treats 40 per cent of all the country's wastewater is currently undergoing a €550m upgrade, which means that by the end of the year it will be achieving full compliance.

Brian Sheehan, Uisce Éireann’s Head of Infrastructure Delivery, said: "Ending raw sewage discharges and improving wastewater treatment for cities, towns and villages across the country are priorities for Uisce Éireann. We are making huge strides in addressing these issues and we are now seeing real and tangible benefits from the unprecedented level of investment in this essential infrastructure. To date over 70% of raw sewage discharges nationwide have been eliminated and we are on track to end the majority by 2025. Our targeted programme of investment in existing wastewater plants and networks is also helping to protect the environment and enhance water quality.

"The timely delivery of this infrastructure and services is a critical component in supporting sustainable social and economic development. Last year we invested over €1bn in water and wastewater projects, and we will need to maintain this level of funding in the years to come. It will also be necessary to address existing issues in our planning and approvals system so that large scale critical infrastructure can progress within a reasonable timeframe. We will continue to work with Government and our regulators, including the EPA and CRU, to ensure we can rise to the challenge of delivering transformative wastewater services to enable communities to thrive."