Residents in a South East Clare housing estate are pleading with Irish Water to fast-track plans for a new wastewater treatment plant.
Ballycannon Heights in Meelick is an estate of 62 homes built in the early 80’s, where residents have experienced persistent issues with foul odours emanating from the existing sewage facility for many years.
Irish Water has previously stated that a new treatment plant would be in place by late 2021, however it now says that while the design stage is underway, it cannot confirm project timelines at this stage.
The ulility is reassuring though that it will continue to monitor the existing wastewater treatment plant and carry out any work required to mitigate odour issues.
Local Resident Majella Sheehan believes it’s a significant health and safety issue and she’s been telling Clare Fm’s Fiona Cahill that residents are at their wits end from lack of action on it.
Statement From Irish Water
Irish Water and Clare County Council are continuing to monitor Ballycannon Wastewater Treatment Plant and carry out any essential work required to mitigate odour issues. Desludging is carried our regularly and we will continue to do so as needed.
As a longer term solution the Ballycannon Wastewater Treatment Plant is proposed to be upgraded as part of a programme of upgrades for smaller wastewater treatment plants with a population equivalent of less than 500. Investigative works to inform design have been completed, and design is underway. We cannot confirm the project timelines at this stage, however, we will provide further updates on the project as they become available.
We apologise to residents in the area for any inconvenience caused as a result of this issue and would like to assure the public that we are working at this time, with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.
