Clare farmers urged to prevent waterway contamination after EPA inspections

Farmers in County Clare are being urged to take proactive steps to avoid contaminating waterways after the Environmental Protection Agency released new figures on last year’s inspections. The data show that 25 % of farms failed initial environmental checks in 2025, a figure that has raised concerns about potential runoff into local rivers and streams.

The county authority inspected 221 farms as part of its routine monitoring programme. Of those, 70.5 % did not meet the required standards on follow‑up visits, indicating persistent issues with compliance. The findings suggest that many farms may still be at risk of discharging pollutants such as excess nutrients or sediment into nearby watercourses.

Local officials have called on growers to review their practices and implement measures that reduce the likelihood of contamination. These include better management of fertiliser application, improved drainage systems, and the maintenance of buffer strips along waterways. By adopting such steps, farmers can help protect the quality of the county’s rivers and support the broader environmental objectives set by the EPA.

The report underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance in agricultural operations to safeguard water resources that are vital for both wildlife and local communities. For further details on the inspection results and recommended actions, see Clare FM.

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