“I believe very significant infrastructural investment will be required in the Drogheda network” – O’Dowd
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has told Irish Water in no uncertain terms that they must clean up their act at the foul smelling Drogheda waste water treatment plant or else face the full rigour of the law.
The detailed instructions on measures to be taken at the plant on the Mornington Road came in a letter which also outlines a schedule of works to be carried out to ensure the plant avoids causing nuisance through odours as required by several European Union regulations pertaining to waste water treatment plants.
Welcoming the firm action taken by the EPA, local Fine Gael TD, Fergus O’Dowd, told Drogheda Life that failure to comply with this direction is an offence and may result in prosecution and/or other actions being taken by the EPA.
“I’m seeking an urgent meeting with Irish Water to discuss the matter in more detail and the wider impact of failing to comply” O’Dowd added.
“I have been campaigning on this issue for a number of years now and at no stage have I felt confident that the underlying issues have been dealt with effectively by Irish Water.
“The direction that has been issued to Irish Water on the 30th of March clearly shows there are very serious problems with the plant and the wider network.
“The consistent complaints being received from members of the public are also a key indicator that the retrospective works Irish Water have taken to date have failed.
“As I have stated previously, I believe very significant infrastructural investment will be required in the Drogheda network to address the malodour in the long term in particular as the plant gets closer to its maximal capacity.
“I will be demanding that a much broader plan be published by Irish Water that will not only deals with the malodour issues in the plant and network but also outlines the future investment requirements for the area as Drogheda transitions to a city in the years ahead.”
Log your malodour complaint calls to Irish Water on 1850 278 278.
See our previous article:
Dawn Meats application underlines need for vigilance on water and air quality
