Actor Jeremy Irons pleads with public to make wastewater plant upgrade 'a priority concern'

'Allowing our coastline to become littered with sewage seems a curious way to protect our population,' the actor told UCC

Jeremy Irons said that 'Ireland is blessed by being a magical and beautiful land, recognised across the world'. File Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Acclaimed actor Jeremy Irons has severely criticised authorities in Ireland for an ongoing pollution issue that has seen "West Cork waters filling up with sewage" through "antiquated" infrastructure.

The star's comments come as villagers in Ballydehob have repeatedly raised the lack of a fix for the local wastewater treatment plan, saying that sewage is having a devastating impact on the area — particularly in the estuary adjacent to the village.