Four Galway areas discharging raw sewage into water systems in mid-2023

Four Galway areas have been found to be discharging raw sewage because their public sewers are not connected to treatment plants.

They are Ahascragh, Carraroe, Roundstone and Spiddal – however, Uisce Eireann says it is working on eliminating the issues in those areas.

Nationally, the EPA report equates the amount of raw untreated sewage flowing into water systems here to three Olympic sized swimming pools

TheUrban Waste Water Treatment report says less than half of waste water here is treated to European standards.

Noel Byrne from the EPA says Uisce Eireann needs to step up to deal with these risks to the environment and public health.

Uisce Eireann say it’s made a huge effort to enhance water quality over the last 12 months.

The utility says years of underfunding has lead to major towns not having access to facilities that are up to European standards.

In Galway, an investment of €13m will see improvement works in Athenry, while upgraded plants are also planned for Spiddal, Ahascragh, Mountbellew, Carraroe, Roundstone and Eyrecourt.

Wastewater delivery manager Michael Tinsley says while it’s a slow process, they are on track to eliminate the majority of issues across the country.