Call for water testing results after dump near Fane

Dundalk Councillors have called for the records of water testing to be made available by Irish Water, following the discovery of a huge illegal dump close to the River Fane last month.

The dump which contained hundreds of tonnes of illegal waste was confirmed in mid October by Louth County Council at a location close to the River Fane which supplies the Cavan Hill Water Treat- ment Plant in Knockbridge.

Speaking at the November meeting of the Dundalk Municipal Committee, Cllr. John McGahon queried the cost of cleaning up such an extensive dump, and asked for further updates from the council on the matter.

The members were told that it was possible a prosecution was pending, so details of the case may not be released.

Senior Executive Officer, Frank Pentony, said testing of the River Fane had been carried out, and there were no issues which constituted a danger to the water supply.

Committee chairman, Cllr. Mark Dearey asked for a specific briefing for members on the matter, particularly due to the concerns about water pollution. He added that after such a major incident ‘whatever testing should be done, Irish Water should carry out,’ and called for details of the testing records to be made available.

‘ The quality of water supply is absolutely imperative to the people we represent.’

Cllr.Maeve Yore called for ‘zero tolerance’ of water pollution

Irish Water issued a statement confirming: ‘All the necessary protection and water treatment barriers are in place at the Cavanhill Water Treatment Plant to ensure there is no risk to the public water supply. Daily water sampling and monitoring are undertaken to ensure that the water supply fully complies with current EU Drinking Water Legislation.’