Meelick Residents Say Foul Odour In Estate Has Made Them Vomit

Photo (c) Clare FM

Residents in a Meelick estate claim a recurring foul odour problem there has left them vomiting and feeling ill in recent days.

The sewage treatment plant serving the 62 houses in Ballycannon Heights has caused numerous issues since the estate was first built in 1982, regularly emitting what those living locally have called an “obnoxious stench”.

That issue has once again reared its head this week, with Irish Water saying it has carried out chemical treatment, desludging and reseeding at the plant, and that the utility will monitor the issue.

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But residents in Ballycannon Heights say they’re tired of promises. Majella Sheehan has lived there since 1983 and says it’s gone beyond a problem now:

Statement from Irish Water

Irish Water received reports of odours from the Ballycannon Wastewater treatment plant in recent days. On foot of these reports, Clare County Council staff working on behalf of Irish Water have carried out chemical treatment, desludging and reseeding at the plant in order to resolve any odour issues.

We will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the treatment process is operating effectively.

Irish Water would like to apologise to residents in the area for any inconvenience caused as a result of this issue.

As a longer term solution the Ballycannon Wastewater Treatment Plant has been selected by Irish Water to be included in a pilot programme to examine and address historical issues with smaller wastewater treatment plants around the country.

As part of this programme, a project team has been appointed to assess the condition and performance of the plant and work has begun on identifying any upgrade works required. The design for the upgrades works is currently progressing, and once this is finalised the contract will be issued for tender.

In allocating funding for capital investment, Irish Water must prioritise investment decisions to ensure that it utilises available funding most effectively by making investments that deliver the biggest environmental and social benefits while maximising value-for-money.