A recent assessment by the Environmental Protection Agency found that close to half of Ireland's surface waters are in an unsatisfactory ecological condition.
The overall quality of surface water in Ireland is continuing to decline, despite a drop in levels of excess phosphorous and nitrogen in the country's rivers and lakes.
The report is based on information collected over six years up to 2024, relating to water quality and pollution in 3,189 rivers, more than 800 lakes, 160 estuaries, almost 100 coastal waters, 512 groundwater bodies, and 16 canals.
Author's summary: Ireland's river quality is declining.