Environmentalists call on Government to address 'unacceptable' pollution in Ireland's waterways

'Sewage discharges are a significant issue for over 200 of our rivers, lakes and bays which have been assessed as unhealthy by the EPA,' environmental group Swan said.

The upcoming plan for managing Ireland's waterways will be a test of the Government's resolve towards tackling "unacceptable" pollution of lakes and rivers, environmental groups have said.

The Sustainable Water Network (Swan), made up of 25 national and local environmental groups such as An Taisce, Coastwatch, and Cork Environmental Forum, said the levels of pollution going into Ireland's lakes, rivers, and sea areas "pose a serious risk to sensitive habitats and to public health".