Dundalk wastewater treatment plant was one of several nationwide which failed the Environmental Protection Agency’s wastewater nutrient quality and sampling standards in 2012.
The new figures also show that the local plant failed in its obligations to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen emissions into the water.
The EPA’s Urban Waste Water Report report found that similar problems were occurring in Greater Dublin, Cork City, Killybegs, Navan, Cavan, Roscrea and Carrigtwohill. Dundalk was on of 44 plants in large urban areas that was not complying with EU standards.
The EPA said that better management was required from these plants but stressed it hoped this would come from the newly-formed Irish Water.
