Irish phosphorous surplus among worst in the EU

The report said there have been some encouraging signs, with water quality improved in 152 of 726 prioritised water bodies

Groundwater quality in Ireland is generally good, and improving at some monitoring stations. Picture: iStock

An EU report has warned too much phosphorus in Irish soils, and “hotspots” where nitrate concentrations are increasing, should be the main areas Ireland should tackle in its Nitrates Action Programme.

Groundwater quality in Ireland is generally good, and improving at some monitoring stations, according to the European Commission’s recently released report on the protection of waters from agricultural pollution, for the 2016–2019 period.