EPA Notes Reduction In Nitrogen Pollution In Wicklow's Avoca River

The levels of nitrogen in Irish rivers is falling, however they remain high in the South East region.

The latest study by the EPA indicates concentrations of nitrogen in waterways is at an 8-year low.

However, it's warning the farming sector needs to continue efforts to reduce it further - in order to make a significant impact.

Included in the EPA’s findings is data from Munster's Bandon, Lee, Blackwater, Suir, Maigue, Fergus, Shannon, and Deel rivers, as well as the Nore, Barrow, Slaney, Avoca, Liffey, Dee, White, Foyle, Erne, Garavogue, Moy, and Corrib rivers.

IFA Environment Chair John Murphy said that the latest report from the EPA shows a substantial decline in nitrogen concentrations in selected rivers over the last 12 months compared with 2023 levels.

Nitrogen concentrations levels in 2024 were comparable with 2016 levels.