Leitrim on 'priority' repairs list for wastewater treatment following EPA report

A report from the Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that areas around the country, including in Leitrim, are in need of water infrastructure improvements to prevent wastewater discharges into their natural water bodies.

Mohill in Leitrim is among dozens of urban areas in the country that need improvements as a matter of “priority” to bring the local water treatment system up to standard.

The treatment system in the south Leitrim area is categorised as having a risk to surface water.

“Inadequately treated wastewater can pollute rivers, estuaries, lakes and coastal waters by reducing oxygen levels and increasing the concentration of nutrients.”

The Urban Wastewater Treatment in 2025 report highlighted a widespread trend across the country, with 55% of wastewater treatment plants in Ireland discharging wastewater that failed to meet EPA standards.

The report outlined 116 areas that need improvements but highlighted 35 areas of national priority where the current standard of water entering the environment from wastewater treatment plants is “adversely impacting rivers, estuaries, lakes and coastal waters.”

“Given the number of areas requiring improvements and the scale of work needed, it is likely to take several years to implement all the necessary measures. It is therefore important to prioritise improvements where they will deliver the greatest benefits for water quality. ”

However, the south Leitrim area is identified as one of 26 areas in the country where “Improvements not yet started and not currently scheduled for completion before 2030, or no completion date identified.”

Leitrim was not the only county in the area with a water treatment system that was flagged as a priority for repair, with Donegal having two areas: Bridgend Burnfoot, while Blacklion and Mullagh in Cavan were also named as priorities.

Uisce Éireann was contacted for comment but has not responded so far.