Irish river water quality has improved, according to the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report, Water Quality in Ireland 1998-2000.
The report shows for the first time in nearly 30 years the proportion of polluted waterways has been reduced.
Seventy per cent of river channel length monitored is now classified as unpolluted, an improvement of 3 per cent since 1995-1997. This means that almost 400 kilometres of previously polluted river channel is now in "satisfactory condition".
Most of the improvements have occurred in catchments where there are new anti-pollution measures, including phosphorus removal in sewage treatment works around the State, the introduction of nutrient-management plans on farms and improved slurry storage.
Water-quality monitoring of the Royal, Grand and Barrow Canals was carried out in 2000 by the Central Fisheries Board. The overall water quality in the canals was assessed as "generally good".
The Minister for the Environment, Mr Noel Dempsey TD, said the improvement was all the more significant given the increased pressure "which involved the peak of the Celtic Tiger phenomenon"m
But the EPA report found 30 per cent of Irish river channels are still polluted and 38 per cent of ground-waters show evidence of faecal contamination.
EU Environment Commissioner Ms Margot Wallstrom, who attended the publication of the report in Dublin this morning said this was "not satisfactory" and said "more work needs to be done".