Water issues continue to haunt residents across Louth

Water issues in Dundalk and north Louth continue to haunt residents, with plenty of actions planned but not delivered, Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has told An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin.

During questions to the Taoiseach in the Dáil last week, the Dundalk deputy referenced the recent EPA report and highlighted Cavanhill, Tallanstown and Greenmount plants, which, he said, are at risk of disruption.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: "The quality of these supplies must improve to safeguard public health. The supplies are at risk of disruption because the treatment is not robust and requires remedial action. This is action that has been planned but that has not been delivered".

The Louth TD said that there are also issues with wastewater in Dundalk South, impacting on planning and the possibility of flooding, while Hackballscross being at the end of a public water scheme means that are frequent halts to supply.

Deputy Ó Murchú added that he was having problems getting a meeting with Uisce Éireann to discuss these and other issues.
The Sinn Féin TD said: "We go through periods of really good communication, particularly at corporate level, and my connections locally are fine, but I do need this communication to happen.

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"The issue at Cavanhill relates directly to the brown water and the manganese in it. The pilot scheme needs to become an actual working operation."

In response, the Taoiseach said he would speak to Minister James Browne about the issues raised about wastewater treatment plants in North Louth.

The Taoiseach said he would refer Uisce Éireann to Deputy Ó Murchú’s comments about the lack of engagement he has received from them of late.