Duncannon businesses sickened by plant delay
A PROMINENT Duncannon businessman has described the announcement by Irish Water that works will not commence on a waste water treatment plant in the Duncannon area for several years as damaging to the community.
As far back as 2003 residents were informed that a solution was in sight to the sewage problem, but the plant has been delayed time after time.
Niall Roche of Hooked Kite Surfing said the treatment plant was supposed to be built in 2009 but is now unlikely to be operational until 2021.
Sewage is being pumped into the sea just off Duncannon habrour near the beach where tens of thousands of people visit every year.
Speaking on the Sean O’Rourke show on RTE radio, Niall said: ‘People have been burying their heads in the sand (about this).’
He recalled jumping off the pier and swimming in the water with friends in his childhood, a joy deprived children in the village today.
‘It’s too dirty. At low tide it’s a very narrow channel and it comes back on the beach which is closed a couple of times during the season.’
He said Arthurstown and Ballyhack are also affected.
Mr Roche said the beach is kept quite clean but local business is suffering.
Phillip Wallace of Duncannon Holiday Park said his business is also affected.
‘Last summer I was turning away dozens of customers every day, that’s up to 120 families a week. We have more space (to expand) but we were told there is no point applying for it until a treatment plant goes into Duncannon. We are just at a standstill here.’