Irish Water won't fund 'vital' new treatment plants in north Cork

Irish Water urged to review its capital plan because of the urgency surrounding the protective status given to the freshwater pearl mussel in the River Blackwater

Baile Glas Ireland's first sustainable, social and affordable housing scheme in Lombardstown, Co, Cork. The village is connected to a communal septic tank which is leaking into the River Blackwater. Picture: Denis Scannell

Despite being told by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that upgrades of three north Cork sewerage treatment plants are vital, Irish Water has said it won't be funding the construction of any of them until post 2024.

The utility has been urged to review its capital plan because of the urgency surrounding the protective status given to the freshwater pearl mussel in the River Blackwater in north Cork.