Minister of State for Nature, Heritage, and Electoral Reform Malcom Noonan stated that the three main objectives of the Water Plan 2024 are to continue investing in water infrastructure, decrease and avoid water pollution, and let more rivers to run freely and re-establish their natural ecological functions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated in June that there had been no general improvement in the water quality in rivers, lakes, and groundwaters in 2023. Water pollution is a serious problem.

While there had been some improvement, Dr. Eimear Cotter of the EPA called the situation "really disappointing" because it had resulted in reductions in other areas.

According to the most recent EPA evaluations, of the State's 4,842 water bodies, 1,963 (41%) are classified as not at risk and 1,649 (34%) as potentially failing to satisfy water quality standards.

The ecological state of surface waterways is generally good or high for 54% of them, while it is inadequate for 46% of them.

Both money and a fresh strategy will be needed to improve the quality of the water.

According to the revised plan, Uisce Éireann would develop 77 collecting networks and 108 new wastewater treatment units at a cost of €2.3 billion.

This ought to lessen the pollution that wastewater causes in lakes and rivers close to cities.