A new report from the European Commission recommends increased "compliance with EU water laws" particularly in relation to nutrient pollution from agriculture to improve water management by 2027.

The European Commission, which has published its latest reports on the state of water in the European Union, has found that "faster progress" is needed across Europe to protect waters and better manage flood risks.

The commission has found that "significant work is needed to meet EU targets on freshwater quality and quantity".

The average health of EU surface water bodies is "critical", with only 39.5% achieving good ecological status, and only 26.8% achieving good chemical status

Under the EU water framework directive, and the EU floods directive, member states are required to have a river basin management plan, and a flood risk management plan.

Both directives require member states to review, update, and report these plans every six years.

According to the European Commission, the purpose of river basin management plans is to outline a programme to ensure good status of all water bodies through “an integrated approach to management, respecting the integrity of whole ecosystems, and setting corresponding regulatory standards”.

In its latest report, the commission has recommended that Ireland's plan discusses areas of potential significant flood risk with more clarity throughout the products of the flood risk management cycle.

It also wants to ensure that wastewater discharge is dealt with properly to protect the environment and human health, and to implement additional measures to address persistent environmental challenges, such as chemical pollution.

EU Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessica Roswall said: "Our waters face significant challenges, from pollution and supply threats to insufficient flood preparedness. We must boost our efforts to build water resilience.

Last February the commission referred Ireland to the Court of Justice of the EU for failing to fully report its river basin management plan.

The Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage published Ireland's 2022-2027 river basin management plan last September.