An EPA inspection has confirmed that untreated sewage, including visible solids and toilet paper, is being discharged into the River Mahon in Bonmahon just 700 metres from a designated bathing beach.

The agency’s recent site visit revealed that Uisce Éireann is using a traffic cone as a makeshift filter in one of the village’s septic tanks, a measure inspectors described as “completely ineffective.” The report also found that Bonmahon’s wastewater system is significantly overloaded, operating at more than three times its design capacity.

Bonmahon Waste Water Quality group, alongside Sinn Féin representatives, say the findings point to a “total systems failure.” They are calling for emergency upgrades, proper maintenance of the area’s three septic tanks, and a clear, transparent commitment to fund a full wastewater infrastructure overhaul.

EPA inspectors further noted that inadequate desludging of the tanks is contributing to sewage spills into the river. While Bonmahon is listed under the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme, no timeline or funding has been allocated to date.

Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor McGuinness, said the situation represents a wider pattern of rural neglect:

“This is a disgrace. The EPA report confirms what locals have known for years: the plant is overloaded, poorly maintained, and is discharging raw sewage into the Mahon. The failure to fix this infrastructure is not only polluting the river and coastline, it’s also preventing new housing from being delivered for local families who want to stay and build their lives in Bonmahon.”

He added:

“Uisce Éireann told the EPA they had installed a makeshift ‘catch’ system in a manhole to stop solids entering the river, which turned out to be a traffic cone. It was completely ineffective. This kind of short-term, slapdash response shows how little regard the authorities have for rural communities. It’s not good enough.”

Local representatives say the lack of action is harming public health, blocking new housing, and damaging a key tourism area along the Copper Coast. Uisce Éireann has now asked Waterford City and County Council to reconsider Bonmahon’s priority level in the upgrade programme.

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