Irish Water fined for 'overloaded' treatment plants that have 'toxic' effects on rivers

The court heard the problems did not result in public health issues and Irish Water had agreed to pay the Environmental Protection Agency's costs

Environmental Protection Agency inspector, John Feehan, said the plant at Mullinahone, Co Tipperary, discharged into the Mullinahone stream, causing "poor quality" water. Picture: IrishPhotoDesk.ie

Irish Water has been fined €7,000 for failing to carry out upgrades to overloaded treatment plants around the country, causing "toxic" effects for fish and aquatic life in local rivers.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prosecuted Ireland's national water utility over the disrepair found at facilities in Tipperary, Louth, Cavan, Donegal, Kerry and Clare. The plants had all been due for upgrade but deadlines have been pushed back to 2029.