EPA report - An appalling indictment

Given Ireland’s road to Damascus conversion on the question of water quality, nobody should be surprised to learn that almost half the country’s waste water treatment plants fail to meet national or EU standards.

It is appalling that in 11 sprawling communities, including Bray in scenic Co Wicklow and Ringaskiddy on the western shore of Cork Harbour, mandatory water treatment is 10 years’ overdue. In cities such as Cork, Dublin and Kilkenny, the treatment is deficient.

The neglect of Ringaskiddy is deplorable because ‘pollution’ is part of the vocabulary of an area at the centre of the pharmaceutical industry. Hopefully, the waste treatment facilities at factories are up to scratch.

The report of the Environmental Protection Agency is a damning indictment. Unwittingly, it has exposed the sheer cynicism of the debate about sceptic tanks. Both sides of that argument can be accused of confusing the public. Rather than upsetting homeowners, it would be more in the Government’s line to invest in water treatment systems for major urban areas. It should also ensure the existing plants are all working properly.