Independent Councillor for Drogheda Rural, Declan Power, has raised urgent concerns over ongoing problems with the wastewater pumping station at the M1 Retail Park, saying the issues continue to affect residents living along the Old Slane Road.
Cllr Power highlighted that this is not a new issue, noting that problems with the pump had previously arisen two years ago requiring repairs. However, the situation has now escalated, with the current pump reaching a point where it requires full replacement and an increase in capacity to meet demand.
Residents in the area have reported distressing incidents where wastewater has overflowed down the Old Slane Road, accumulating near the new housing estate at Gort Mell. These incidents have raised serious public health, environmental, and quality of life concerns for those living in the area.
“I have been in direct contact with the management team of the M1 Retail Park,” said Cllr Power. “They are fully aware of the seriousness of the situation and have taken immediate interim actions. I have also been liaising with the environment team with LCC to alleviate the issues.
These actions include the removal of approximately 80 tonnes of waste from the pumping station and the installation of a temporary pump to stabilise the situation. However, Cllr Power stressed that these are short-term measures and that a permanent solution is essential.
Plans are now in place for the installation of a new, upgraded pumping system with increased capacity, at an estimated cost of €500,000. This upgrade is intended to address both the existing failures and the long-term demands on the infrastructure.
While recent dry weather conditions have eased the pressure on the system, Cllr Power warned that heavy rainfall could quickly lead to a recurrence of the problems.
“The risk remains very real,” he said. “Any significant rainfall could see a return of wastewater overflow, so it is crucial that permanent works are completed as quickly as possible.”
Cllr Power confirmed that he has been working closely with the M1 Retail Park management team and expects that the necessary improvements will be implemented within the coming weeks.
“I will continue to closely monitor the situation and ensure that the concerns of residents are fully addressed,” he added. “The health and wellbeing of the local community must remain the top priority.”
