OBJECTION TO COLLOONEY PLANT UPGRADE OVER SMELL

HOUSEHOLDER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO USE GARDEN IN SUNNY WEATHER

A householder living next door to a wastewater treatment plant in Collooney is objecting to its upgrade as he says it may lead to an increase in odours.

Stephen French of Union Road says malodours from the treatment works was already an ongoing problem.

In an objection lodged with An Bord Pleanala on his behalf, engineer, Patrick Barrett said any intensification of the use of the plant would lead to serious potential health hazrads to Mr French and his family.

“My client has ongoing issues from the current site with malodours which is uncomfortable to live with and is a danger to allow children play outside during periods of good weather.

“Any intensifcation of the site will lead to increase odours and will result in my client and his family being unable to use their garden areas during sunny periods,” he said.

Irish Water received planning for the plant’s upgrade by Sligo County Council but Mr French has objected and An Bord Pleanala will issue its findings on October 16 th next.

In the appeal lodged with the board, Mr Barrett points out that Mr French’s house was a mere seven metres from the shirted boundary along the east of the plant.

It was proposed to build new tanks on the site in close proximity to Mr French’s home but no details it was claimed of how the proposed works would negatively impact on the house have been included with the application.

Mr French’s house was the closest home to the site and the only other property sharing the access road.

Mr Barrett said if planning is granted it would also lead to a serious depreciation in the value of Mr French’s home and “may leave the property unsellable.”

It was also pointed out by Mr Barrett that no streetscapes showing the building to be constructed on site comparing finished heights with his client’s property have been included.

Mr Barrett also stated there could be an increase in heavy traffic along the narrow country road which does not have any footpath or public lighting.

There was no sufficient turning space on the road for large vehicles.

“Lands to the south of the subject site were zoned in the Sligo County Development Plan for any extension of the treatment works.

“These lands are not being utilised or included in this application and these lands are located at a greater distance from my client’s house and may be more appropriate for development,” submitted Mr Barrett.

Conditional planning was granted to Irish Water in May for an upgrade of the site.

This included change of use of existing single-storey control building to storage building, construction of secondary treatment tanks with associated air blowers and pumps, erection of single-storey administration and control building, proposed utility yard area comprising associated equipment including screens, grit removers and odour control.