Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has once again raised serious concerns about the ongoing foul odours coming from the Murrough wastewater pumping station in Wicklow Town, which continues to impact residents living in the area and those who want to enjoy the amenity that is the Murrough.
The comments come after Deputy Brady pressed Uisce Éireann for an update on the status of the urgently required works to upgrade the odour control system, and they indicated that the project is still yet to go to tender and no definitive timeline can be given for completion.
Teachta Brady said:
“I have been raising the issues of foul odours at the Murrough pumping station with both Uisce Éireann and the EPA since 2019.
“While some minor works were carried out after I repeatedly reported the problem to the EPA, they have only provided short-term relief and have not solved the issue.
“The reality is that residents in the area are still being forced to endure recurring foul odours, which is simply unacceptable.
“This is despite, following my intervention, the EPA conducting an audit of both the Greystones and Wicklow Town wastewater treatment plants in January of 2025.
“These audits recommended that independent monitoring of the facilities be undertaken to properly assess the extent of the odour problem and identify necessary corrective actions.
“This monitoring identified that a new odour abatement was indeed required at the Murrough Wastewater Pumping Station, to replace the existing aging system.
“Yet this urgently required project has moved forward at a glacial pace.
“In reply to a query from myself, Uisce Éireann stated that the project is currently at Stage 3 – where the project progresses through detailed design and statutory approvals after which the tender process for the procurement of a contractor to deliver the project is also completed.
“They could not give a timescale for completion of the project.
“These delays are simply unacceptable.
“The people of Wicklow Town and those who use the Murrough deserve to live in an environment free from persistent foul odours.
“The amenity is being undermined, and the quality of life for nearby residents is being eroded by Uisce Éireann’s failure to act.
“This is not good enough, and it must be addressed urgently.”
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