Six of our rivers badly polluted, environmental watchdog warns

Only 21 sites achieved the highest EU quality rating from 2013 to 2015, compared to over 500 water sources in the late 1980s.

Almost half of Irish rivers have a “less than good” ecological status, writes Joyce Fegan.

And although a reduction in “seriously polluted” waters has been achieved, there is, however, a “continued and unwelcome decline” in the number of pristine rivers.