Reports of odour from local plant
LOCAL TD, Fergus O’Dowd (pictured), has called on Irish Water to finally put an end to the persistent malodour emanating from the Waste Water Treatment Plant on the Marsh Road in Drogheda.
“Following my campaign with Irish Water to address the malodour, Irish Water finally agreed to investing significantly (approx €100k) in the plant during the summer of 2019 which was very welcome, but I believe we are now running into similar problems once again.
“I have received dozens of complaints in recent weeks from very upset residents. It is evident that much more needs to be done to finally put an end to the malodour situation. I wrote to Irish Water this week to report the worsening situation and I remain deeply concerned notwithstanding their response.
“I have now requested that a further independent odour audit be carried out on the plant to assess the level of malodour present and if further improvements are required. I have separately written to the EPA to request that they also carry out their own inspections in regard to air quality in the area and on site if possible.
“Separately and just as importantly we are awaiting the decision on the Site Selection Methodology Report for the East Midlands Region Sludge Hub Centre. Last year I campaigned and held a public forum in Drogheda to garner support from the general public to object to the Drogheda plant being selected as a regional hub centre. Irish Water have confirmed to me this week that the preferred sites will be identified this year.”
Irish Water say that the operator at the treatment plant is undertaking regular odour monitoring and has reported that there are no reported odour issues at the site.
‘However, given the prolonged dry spell and warmer weather, Irish Water will carry out jetting of the network in order to alleviate any potential odour issues in the network.
‘ The best way for members of the public to report odours is via our customer call centre that operates 24/7. This means that reported odours can be investigated as close to the time that they are noted by the public and an investigation can be carried out to determine the cause.’