Duncannon waste water treatment plant needed
THE NEED for a waste water treatment plant in Duncannon was once again highlighted at a public meeting about the Waterford Estuary last week.
Dr Fran Igoe, Regional Co- ordinator of the newly established ‘ Waters and Communities Office’ delivered a presentation on the Waterford Estuary and its tributary rivers.
The significance of the River Suir for its wildlife was explained and an overview of 13 other public meetings along the Suir was given to explain to the role of this new office and the need for active participation by local community groups and stakeholders in managing their local water environment.
This approach promotes an all- inclusive ‘ bottom up’ approach to water management facilitating participation by all agri, business, forestry and public sectors including groups such as Muintir na Tire, Macra na Feirme, Tidy Towns, farming and fishery groups, Irish Water and County Councils.
The meeting attracted a significant attendance from members of the local community and surrounding areas. Staff from Wexford County Council were also in attendance as were local elected members, all of whom were in a position to answer any queries that were raised by the public.
The importance of small rivers such as the Curraghmore River which flows into Duncannon was highlighted, as these local rivers are spawning grounds for Sea Trout in Co. Wexford. Angling for Sea Trout is an important local fishing right along the coast of Wexford from Rosslare to Ballyhack. Indeed, the importance of fishing to Wexford was highlighted especially with Wexford hosting the World Shore Angling Contest last week.
Mairead Shore of Wexford County Council outlined the work that the County Council is doing with farmers to support them in improving nutrient management and reduce nutrient loss to streams and the beach. Other work by the council is focussing on septic tanks and the public are encouraged to check their tanks and make sure that they are not polluting local waterways. All agreed that water quality needs to be protected to support the local economy and tourism potential of the area.
After presentations by Dr Igoe and Mairead Shore the meeting was opened to the floor where local issues impacting on water quality were discussed. One of the most fundamental issues raised was in relation to the need for a Waste Water Treatment Plant in Duncannon, which has been an ongoing issue and cause for concern in recent years. The loss of Blue Flag status on Duncannon beach was a major discussion point and how this has a negative impact on water quality, tourism and community spirit in the local area due to restrictions on bathing.
Ecological issues were highlighted including the raking and removal of seaweed from the beach, the status of fishing and shellfish. Karin Dubsky of Coastwatch Ireland explained how the honeycomb coral in the local area is one of the finest examples in Europe.
The development of tourism potential for Duncannon was a primary topic for discussion with some people suggesting more focus on boating heritage and promoting the estuary as a boating destination.
Overall a robust discussion took place between all in attendance and the meeting ended on a very positive note. There was agreement between the Waters and Communities Office and Wexford County Council to pursue the issues raised and to issue an update by email to those in attendance. It concluded with Dr Igoe formally thanking everyone for their contribution and the discussions continued long afterwards over a cup of tea and a biscuit.
A second meeting was held in Ballyhack where the mainstream heritage and economic potential of the coast was highlighted