Dundalk Sewerage Treatment Plant has been listed as one of 38 around the country whose sewage discharges failed to meet EU treatment standards.
The plant, based on the Lower Point Road, was named in a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as failing to meet the European Directive on urban waste-water treatment, which was set 20 years ago.
Gerard O’Leary, Director of EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement, said the 38 urban centres on the list “place the health of people and the environment at risk”.
He added: “The reasons for the failures range from, in some instances a complete absence of infrastructure to treat sewage, in others, inadequate infrastructure, and in further instances, poor management and operation of infrastructure.”
The Dundalk plant did not meet the mandatory quality standard for nitrogen, according to the report with the failure occurring in Blackrock where 6,000 people reside.
The plant has been given until Q2 2016 to provide more stringent treatment.
It also found that waste water was discharged without treatment in Omeath.
The EPA said priorities for Irish Water are to eliminate raw sewage discharges, reduce the pollution impact of sewage and improve the performance of existing wastewater infrastructure.
Talk of the Town 