Third Of Irish Rivers Polluted

The Environmental Protection Agency has revealed that almost a third of Irish rivers are still polluted despite efforts to improve in water quality during recent years.

Figures released by the EPA show that 29% of Irish rivers are still polluted, along with 66 lakes and 15 estuaries falling below the acceptable standard.

Launching the report Mr Larry Stapleton, Director of the EPA Office of Environmental Assessment, said: "While there is evidence of an overall improvement in water quality in Ireland, the rate of this improvement in surface waters is not sufficient to meet the requirement of having good status in all waters by 2015 as required by the Water Framework Directive. Extensive measures will be required to achieve this target."

The principal and most widespread cause of water pollution in Ireland is from municipal waste treatment plants and agricultural run-off, which leaks into rivers, lakes and tidal waters.

The Water Framework Directive was brought into Irish law in December 2003, and its main requirements include the attainment of good quality in all waters by 2015, the management of waters on a River Basin District basis, the elimination of the discharge of certain harmful substances to waters and the sustainable use of water resources.

(DW)