'Our river is dying' – Locals warn of strain on Ireland's waters

Ireland's waterways are facing significant strain, with a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assessment revealing a worrying trend: more rivers are deteriorating than improving. This decline is mirrored in coastal areas, where temporary beach closures due to pollution incidents nearly doubled last year, impacting the enjoyment and safety of swimmers, anglers, and local businesses.

In Rush, County Dublin, the local Sensational Swimmers group has faced repeated disruptions. Five 'do not swim' notices have been issued for Rush South and North beaches this year due to problems at a local wastewater treatment plant, including a recent four-day closure. "It's disappointing. Sometimes you're getting in the water and you're just going, right, hope for the best," said resident Sharon Casey, highlighting the uncertainty swimmers face.

“

It's disappointing. Sometimes you're getting in the water and you're just going, right, hope for the best.

These precautionary 'do not swim' notices are issued by Uisce Éireann when wastewater pumping stations operate at reduced capacity, increasing the risk of overflows, especially during heavy rainfall. While the EPA rates most bathing waters, including Rush's, as "excellent," these ratings do not always capture short-term pollution events caused by storm water overflows from agricultural land and urban areas. Professor Fiona Regan of Dublin City University's Water Institute notes that heavy rainfall is a significant factor in these deteriorations.

“

if there's any kind of an issue with the pumping stations, then they have to issue a 'do not swim' notice.