EPA names four worst phosphorous river pollution areas

EPA water testing indicates that phosphorous river pollution is worst in Monaghan, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Offaly and Kilkenny, with less than 50% of river stations compliant in each county.

There was a relatively high level of compliance (at least 70%) in Dublin City, Cavan, South Dublin, Roscommon, Cork County, Westmeath, Kildare and Mayo.

Counties with a relatively large number of non-compliant lakes include Monaghan (31 non-compliant lakes), Cavan (14), Clare (14), Leitrim (9), Cork (7), Longford (6).

Cork County Council has increased monitoring for phosphates to 29% of river stations.

Three Co Cork rivers were found to be seriously polluted.

They are Blackwater, the Brogeen, and the Bride tributary of the Lee.

Seven out of 24 lakes being monitored in the county are non-compliant with phosphorous regulations (they are Abisdealy, Allua, Ballin, Druminidy, Drumbrow, Iniscarra and Shreelane).