Water treatment plant removes five double-decker buses of foul material a month

Wipes and other sanitary items removed from wastewater known as ‘ragging’ stored in a skip awaiting disposal. Picture: Fionn Rogers 

Authorities are again pleading with Irish people not to flush wipes, nappies and sanitary materials down toilets, with one treatment plant in Dublin forced to remove 60 tonnes of wipes and other foul items every month – equivalent to five double-decker buses.

Irish Water said Ringsend wastewater treatment plant, where about 40% of the country’s wastewater load is treated, is seeing an average of 60 tonnes of wipes and other items removed from its screens every month.