Irish Water must expedite Shannon wastewater infrastructure improvements - Mulcahy
Clare Senator Tony Mulcahy has said that Irish Water's commitment to improving wastewater infrastructure in Shannon and Bunratty is "not before time" and he called on the water utility company to expedite the process.
The Shannon-based Senator's comments follow the announcement by Irish Water of how it intends addressing a number of historical issues with the wastewater infrastructure in the area, including the longstanding odour nuisances associated with the infrastructure in Shannon Town.
Irish Water is currently undertaking a number of briefings with residents, the local business community and elected representatives, to update them on the proposed works.
Senator Mulcahy said he hoped that the cleaning and surveying of sewers in the Shannon Town area would happen as quickly as possible after which he said long term fixes should be considered to ensure the odour nuisance does not reoccur.
He said: "For many years, I have raised the issue of substandard wastewater infrastructure in the wider Shannon area. The residents of Shannon have been given few answers as to the source of the odour nuisance. A definitive answer remains outstanding on this issue. I also believe that the inadequate infrastructure has acted as a disincentive to companies considering locating to or expanding in the area."
"I look forward to a full and frank period of consultation between the public, elected representatives and Irish Water ahead of contracts being prepared for the construction of a new two-kilometre sewer in Shannon, the cleaning and surveying of sewers in the area, and sampling and analysis of the broader network. It is important that Irish Water is left in no doubt as to the concerns of those who live and work in the area so as to ensure this issue can be put to bed once and for all," concluded Senator Mulcahy.
