EU fine looms over sewage put out to sea

THE European Court of Justice yesterday ruled Ireland contravened an EU waste water directive — signed 17 years ago — and may face a fine, after sewage that was not fully treated was released from six big towns into the sea.

The finding means Ireland has more rulings against it on environmental issues than any other EU member state — with the exception of Italy.

Environment Minister John Gormley admitted the case should have been resolved before now and said his department was working to address the problems identified.