On the 3rd of March 2009 at Galway District Court, the Environmental Protection Agency took a prosecution against Galway County Council in relation to an offence under Regulation 10(12) of the European Communities (Drinking Water)(No.2) Regulations (S.I. 278/2007).
The Council pleaded guilty to the charge of failing to comply with a direction issued to it by the EPA on 20th June 2006 requiring it to ensure that the existing UV treatment system (or any upgrade of the existing UV system) operated within its validated design specifications as soon as possible and no later than 20th July 2008.
On hearing details of the offence, Judge Mary Fahy postponed sentencing until September 2009.
On 1st September 2009 at Galway District Court, in view of the fact that this water treatment plant has been shut down and the supply discontinued, the Judge ordered that the agreed costs and expenses of €6,750 be paid by the council on or before 6th October 2009 and indicated that if they do so the case will be struck out and no conviction will be recorded.
This prosecution was taken following a site audit carried out on 8th May 2008 by an inspector from the Office of Environmental Enforcement.
