Clare County Council has refuted the EPA’s suggestion that a persistant smell in Shannon is caused by sewerage.
The local authority insists that it’s Sewerage Plant at Tradaree Point is operating as normal, and that no malfunctions have been reported, as both it and the Environmental Protection Agency continue their investigations.
The Council also says the source of the odour is not known.
Over 100 people attended a public meeting on the matter in Shannon last night, amid concerns amongst the public about it’s impact on their health, and Shannon Councillor Patricia McCarthy says they’re still looking for answers.
The EPA was not represented at last night meeting, but in an interview on Clare FM’s Morning Focus Programme an agency spokesman indicated that the ongoing foul odours in the Shannon area appear to be caused by sewerage.
EPA Enforcement Officer Peter Cunningham said preliminary investigations have found that the smell is coming through sewerage infrastructure in the town.
In response to claims that lives could be at risk due to the on-going odours, Mr. Cunningham told Clare FM that Shannon residents can be assured that’s not the case.
He added that emissions of this nature "have been known for as long as there have been sewers. There are engineering issues that have to be addressed", but in the meantime The EPA Officer said his agency and Clare County Council are "engaged on a continual basis in the maintenance of the highest environmental standards in relation to all activities in Shannon."
