Limerick County Council has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all of its 45 waste water installations comply with the requirements of the EU urban waste water treatment directive.

The local authority was responding to the publication of an Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 'Urban Waste Water Discharges in Ireland 2006 & 2007' report.

The EPA compiled the report using data provided by the country's local authorities. In the context of Co Limerick, the report includes data on 19 waste water treatment plants for 2006 and 21 plants for 2007.

Paul Crowe, Director of Services, said: "The settlement pattern within Co Limerick is such that the county has a larger number of smaller settlements when compared to other counties of a similar size.

"This has obvious implications for the treatment of waste water, with a total of 45 waste water installations to be operated and maintained.

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"Limerick County Council is committed to operating all its waste water treatment plants so as to achieve the best possible effluent quality. In some instances however, plants require to be improved and upgraded before full compliance with effluent standards can be achieved."

Mr Crowe continued: "Seven waste water treatment plants have had significant improvements carried out, including full replacement in some instances. A further two plants are currently being improved.

"In addition, a tender report is with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, awaiting sanction to proceed to award the contract; tender documents for the upgrade of another plant are also awaiting approval from the Department before the tender process can commence. Preliminary reports for a further eight towns and villages are also with the Department awaiting approval."

Mr Crowe said that, in accordance with the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007, Limerick County Council had applied to the EPA for discharge licences for all of the waste water treatment plants referred to in the new report.

"As part of this process, Limerick County Council has assessed each plant individually and identified improvements required. The improvements required are a priority for Limerick County Council but will be subject to appropriate Department approval and funding availability," he added.

(PR/JM)