EC's final warning over coastal water quality levels

The Government has been given a final written warning that water quality levels have reached unacceptable levels in certain coastal areas.

The European Commission has warned it will take legal action if the situation is not dealt with in shellfish farming regions, and said the decline could present a substantial risk to public health.

The Irish Shellfish Association began action two years ago, claiming that successive governments were not meeting the requirements of the EU Directive Protecting Shellfish waters.

There are 450 companies involved in shellfish farming around the Republic, but only 14 areas have been designated to protect shellfish.

It then took its complaints to Europe, claiming that the industry – worth €30m to the economy annually – was being adversely affected.

The EU says not enough areas are up to standard, and that there is evidence of a decline in water quality in a number of places due to development and lack of effective waste water treatment.

The Department of Marine and Natural Resources said it was working with local authorities to meet the requirements of the commission. They face large fines if the situation is not resolved.