Environmental watchdog highlights 'alarming' deterioration in water quality in rivers

Cork Harbour has lost its good water quality status. File picture: Larry Cummins

The water quality in nearly half of Ireland's rivers, lakes, and waterways is in "unsatisfactory" condition, with farming run-off in the south the culprit for much of the "alarming" deterioration.

That is according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which warned the further decline in water quality means Ireland is currently off course to meet the EU and national goal of restoring all waters to good or better status in the next five years.