IFA Environment Chairman Thomas Cooney has described the latest EPA water quality results as an example of what investment and hard work can achieve.
The results show that 93% of our bathing waters around the country are classified as being in either excellent or good condition.
He said the outcome shows that the vast majority of the country’s most popular beaches and lakes are clear and clean.
Thomas Cooney identified the significant investment by farmers as playing a part in achieving this result. “Farmyard storage and control of effluent has improved dramatically as a result of the investment of over €2bn in the last 10 years. Farmers recognise the value of a clean environment and will continue to work towards the highest standards.”
Mr Cooney said Government support for agri-environment programmes for farmers will be critical to maintain this high level of clean bathing water.