Fishy smell could lead to a real stink of a row

June 1997

A stinking row is brewing between residents and fishermen in Wicklow Town over the smell coming from bait being left on the local pier.

Residents in the Caslte Street/Castle Park area claim they have been foeced to keep their windows and doors closed in the recent hot weather because of the rotten odours.

‘We know fishermen have the earn a livelihood but something will have to be done about this problem. We can hardly open out doors because of the stench,’ said one resident.

The residents claim the fishermen are baiting their boats the night before putting out to sea and the smell is coming from the local pier and wafting up through the town.

The residents have been backed up by the Progressive Democrats’ Mary Heaslip.

‘I passed by the area a number of times recently and the smell was just revolting. Of course fishermen have to earn a living but the residents also have rights.

‘There must be something done to satisfy both parties in this matter. It just can’t go on the way it is going,’ she said.

Ms Heaslip also suggested the smell was coming up through the town and with the arrival of tourist season, would discourgae visitors from stopping in the town.

‘There are a number of restaurants and shops in this area which depend on the tourist market during the summer months. Who would want to eat in such places if th esmell continues to come up from the harbour,’ she said.

The Progressive Democrats candidate called on Wicklow Urban District Council and the local Harbour Authority to investigate the matter immediately and come up with a solution which works for all.

She suggested some form of refrigeration unit could work to everybody’s advantage.

However the idea has been blasted by Wicklow’s Harbour Master, William Garvey who asked who exactly was going to pay for such a unit.

‘First of all I have not received any complaint from residents in the area. Besides are we to tell fishermen they can’t bait their boats and leave them without jobs.

‘I would like to ask Ms Heaslip who exactly is going to pay for such a unit. I would welcome any move to bring in such a unit if she is going to pay for it,’ he blasted.