Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the recent improvements in water quality that have been reported in the past number of weeks. The EPA’s early insights nitrogen indicator report for 2024 shows nitrogen levels in rivers reduced last year. This is a clear and welcome signal the actions that have been taken in recent years are starting to deliver real and measurable results for our environment. These improvements reflect the impact continued investment in our wastewater infrastructure, and especially a shift towards better land and nutrient management, is having, particularly within the agricultural sector. However, nitrogen levels are still too high in some areas, especially parts of the south east. This shows the importance of continued investment in our water infrastructure. This ongoing challenge underlines the need not only for continued national efforts but also for alignment with the higher standards now being set at European level.

At the end of January last year, the European Union agreed a major recast of the urban wastewater treatment directive. That is going to bring significantly higher standards of treatment and conservation across all member states, including Ireland. These requirements are wide-ranging and some are very ambitious. For example, by 2035 all agglomerations of over 1,000 population equivalent, PE, will need to have secondary treatment of wastewater. By 2045 all plants covering 10,000 PE will require quaternary treatment. The reuse of treated water will be prioritised, especially in water-stressed areas, and monitoring of emergent pollutants like PFAS and microplastics will be strengthened. Importantly, by 2045 all treatment plants must transition to 100% renewable energy. These are positive and necessary steps but will require sustained and increased capital investment to ensure our infrastructure can meet those particular targets. In that context, I highlight the Government’s water action plan. It is vital we continue to reduce and eliminate wastewater pollution entering watercourses across our country. Progress has been made. We have seen it in Arklow, for example, and we are looking forward to seeing further improvements in Dublin Bay and beyond. Future-proofing our water infrastructure is not just important but absolutely essential. We must ensure it meets today’s needs while also preparing for higher and rising environmental standards in the future.

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