More rain may lead to health risks

INCREASED winter rainfall because of climate change could lead to a sharp increase in the contamination of the public water supply posing public health risks, according to the one of the country’s leading climate change experts.

Professor John Sweeney, of NUI Maynooth, said that storm water overflow, which can carry contamination such as faecal matter from cattle, already flows into reservoirs during increased rainfall. “We’ve already seen that contamination happen in Galway. Also in many housing estates and on roads, surface water drains and waste water drains are using the same sewer – something which should not happen. This is leading to even more contamination during intense rain.

“In Clane, for instance you can see sewage bubbling up onto the street,” he said.