Eliminating Raw Sewage
Since 2014, we have built new wastewater infrastructure for 14 towns and villages across the country, ending the discharge of over 70,000 wheelie bins of raw sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas every day.
Our plan
36 locations throughout Ireland currently do not have sewage treatment in place. As a result, raw sewage is being discharged directly into our rivers, lakes and seas in these areas.
Irish water is committed to ending the unacceptable practice by constructing Wastewater Treatment Plants and network infrastructure to ensure that wastewater is adequately treated and meets appropriate standards before being safely discharged into the marine environment.
Benefits
When complete, this programme of works will:
- Improve water quality in our rivers, lakes and seas
- Benefit local communities, swimmers, surfers and tourism
- Safeguard human and environmental health
- Protect our marine life
- Ensure compliance with European regulatory standards
Projects in the pipeline
Associated Campaigns
The works undertaken as part of this programme is embedded in Irish Water’s supports of Clean Coasts Think Before You Flush and Think Before You Pour campaigns.
These public awareness programmes raise awareness about the problems that sanitary products, cotton wipes, Fats, Oils and Grease and other items can cause to our marine environment, wildlife and our wastewater systems if they are flushed down the toilet or poured down the sink.