Investigations are continuing after a storm water overflow pipe burst beside a blue flag beach in east Meath, prompting concerns about potential environmental impact in a sensitive coastal location.
The incident occurred on Friday near the Golf Links Road between Mornington and Bettystown. A meeting between Uisce Éireann and Meath County Council has been arranged for Tuesday to discuss the logistics of repairing the damaged rising main.
Uisce Éireann has confirmed that a number of relevant agencies have been notified, including the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Inland Fisheries Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The issue came to light on Friday morning when Joe Hoyne, who was walking his dog along the beach, noticed a strong odour that led to the discovery of a spill in the dunes close to the shoreline. The affected area includes protected dunes beside a location that is popular with swimmers and walkers.
Concerns have been raised locally due to the close proximity of the overflow to a blue flag beach and an area regularly used by the public. The site is also designated as environmentally sensitive.
In a statement, Uisce Éireann said staff reported the incident to the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday and confirmed that pumping of storm water through the damaged pipe has ceased. Surcharging at the beach has also stopped.
The Environmental Protection Agency said it was notified of the burst on 30 January 2026. The pipe is used to carry storm water during overflow events linked to heavy rainfall, and the incident resulted in surcharging at the beach in Mornington.
An investigation is continuing to establish the cause of the pipe failure, identify the repairs required and assess whether any additional corrective measures are needed. Uisce Éireann said it will continue to work closely with Meath County Council and the relevant agencies as the issue is dealt with.
