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Midlands Water Quality Heading "In The Wrong Direction" - EPA

Wednesday, 12 June 2024 14:31

The Environmental Protection Agency's latest report is pointing the finger at agriculture and septic tanks.

The trend in water quality in the midlands is 'going in the wrong direction,' according to the EPA.

The Environmental Protection Agency's latest report has found water quality here isn't improving, with septic tanks and agriculture to blame.

Fertilisers and waste water are contributing to high nitrogen and phosphorus levels in rivers, lakes and ground waters.

Hugh Feeley, Scientific Officer in the Water Management Programme of the EPA, says they're seeing a net decline in Laois, Offaly and Westmeath:

IFA President, Ballinakill's Francie Gorman insists farmers are very focused on improving water quality:

'Only last week Teagasc’s launched a new campaign ‘Better Farming for Water’ and all farmers must play their part in this.

Our water quality is in a relatively good position compared to other EU countries.

However, there is a determined and robust approach across the whole sector to minimise the impact of food production on our waterways.

It’s about the right measures in the right places at the right time and the right rate, to ensure that nutrients are taken up by grass and crops. We are determined to reduce nutrient loss to deliver better water quality.'

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