A disappointing report for Cork.

A report published yesterday by the Environmental Protection Agency found that six Cork towns were among a total of 34 Irish towns discharging raw sewage into the country’s water.

The EPA report slammed Irish Water for “he repeated changes in plans and delays in bringing projects to construction” saying that such inaction is “prolonging risks to the environment and people’s health. Irish Water must provide the infrastructure needed at each of these 34 areas without any further delay.”

The report notes that “over the years Irish Water produced various plans to eliminate discharges of raw sewage. However, it has repeatedly failed to deliver on these plans and continues to extend the time frame to provide treatment for many areas. For example, during the past year Irish Water revised the number of areas it intends to connect to treatment by the end of 2023 from 28 down to just 14.”

The six Cork towns named in the report include Inchigeelagh, Castletownbere, Castletownshend, Cobh, Whitegate – Aghada and Ballycotton.

Cobh is among the three largest areas in Ireland that doesn’t have a water treatment plant, and is one of 12 areas that fails to meet EU treatment standards — a group which also includes Mitchelstown, Ringaskiddy and Rathcormac.

The full report can be accessed here.