In 2022, waste water treatment at 15 of Ireland's 173 large urban areas did not meet the treatment and effluent quality standards in the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. The failure of Ireland’s largest treatment plant (Ringsend in Dublin) to meet the standards is of particular concern because it treats over 40% of our urban waste water. In mid-2023, untreated waste water from 26 towns and villages was released into the environment every day because these areas were not connected to treatment plants. Substantial and sustained investment is required to upgrade waste water treatment systems, prevent pollution and protect public health.
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