State can’t keep failing our rivers, lakes and seas, says SWAN

Embargoed until 17^th June 2026 (Report release date). The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) has expressed deep concern again at the findings of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) latest water quality report, which confirms that Ireland continues to fall short in protecting its rivers, lakes, and coastal waters from pollution. 

The report shows that little meaningful progress has been made in improving water quality, with pressures from agriculture, forestry and wastewater pollution.

SWAN Freshwater Policy Officer, Puneeta Sreenivas said, “This report is another warning light flashing red. Despite all the plans over the years, water quality in our rivers continue to decline. e the Government’s current Water Action Plan doesn’t have the strong and effective measures to bring the changes needed”.

According to the report, of the 334 high‑status objective river water bodies, only 182 (39%) [less than half] achieved high aquatic invertebrate quality in 2023–2025[1]. This reflects a net 25% decline relative to the 2010–2012 period[2]. This will have knock-on effects on the food systems of our fish, such as our already vulnerable populations of Atlantic salmon, and wildlife that feed on fish such as kingfishers and otters. 

The new Water Action Plan, which is being drafted this year, must prioritise targeted measures for degraded and at-risk waterbodies, that zone in with a laser-like focus on the specific catchment activities that are causing pollution, and fix it. To be effective these measures must fill the gaping holes in the current water pollution control system which, it’s clear from this report, is not working. And as we wait for these much-needed additional measures, the very least we should expect is for effective enforcement of existing regulations, and clear accountability for failed measures.

This report’s findings come as Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Ireland is stepping into a leadership role in Europe, yet we do not have our own house in order when it comes to protecting water quality. This undermines our credibility at EU level. Ireland has already been found in breach of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) by the European Court of Justice. Taking decisive action now will show that Ireland is willing to step up for water quality and become a real leader in protecting and restoring our precious rivers, lakes and seas.”

ENDS

[1] See final report published here on the 17^th June 2026: https://www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/freshwater--marine/

[2] See final report published here on the 17^th June 2026: https://www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/freshwater--marine/