Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has welcomed progress in addressing the persistent and serious odour issues arising from the sewage treatment plant and wastewater facilities in Greystones and the Murrough in Wicklow Town. This follows a formal complaint made to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by Deputy Brady regarding the foul and ongoing odours affecting residents and those who use local amenities in the area.
Deputy Brady welcomed the progress and stated.
“I welcome the progress that is being made in relation to the serious odours emanating from the wastewater facilities in Wicklow Town and Greystones. Unfortunately, it had to take an official complaint to the Environmental Protection Agency to force Uisce Eireann to finally start a process of finally addressing the serious issue.
“On foot of my complaint the EPA conducted an audit of both the Greystones and Wicklow Town wastewater treatment plants on January 14th. As part of their findings, the EPA recommended that independent monitoring of both facilities be carried out to assess the extent of the problem and identify necessary corrective actions.
The first stage of this process took place last week, with an odour abatement assessment now completed. This assessment marks an important step in pinpointing the sources of the problem and determining the measures required to eliminate the persistent and unpleasant smells that have been affecting local communities for far too long. The second phase of this process is due to commence shortly, and upon its completion, a comprehensive report will be issued. This report will contain detailed recommendations aimed at tackling the odour issues in a meaningful and effective way.
For far too long, residents in Greystones and Wicklow Town, particularly in the Murrough area, have had to endure persistent and unacceptable odours coming from these wastewater treatment plants. This is not just a nuisance—it has a real impact on people’s quality of life, as well as on local businesses and the use of public amenities. The issue has been raised repeatedly, and I am glad to see that after the complaint was made to the EPA, concrete steps are finally being taken to deal with the problem.
The EPA’s audit and subsequent recommendation for independent monitoring are crucial steps in identifying and resolving these issues. The first stage of the assessment has now taken place, and I welcome the progress being made. However, we need to ensure that this does not stop at assessment and reporting—action must be taken to put the necessary solutions in place and ensure that these odours are eliminated once and for all.
If there is a requirement to upgrade the odour abatement systems Uisce Éireann must ensure that the funding is in place and the work is done as a priority.
I will continue to closely monitor developments and stay in regular contact with the EPA and Uisce Éireann to push for a lasting resolution. The people of Greystones and Wicklow Town deserve a clean and odour-free environment, and I will keep fighting until that is achieved and will hold the authorities accountable and ensure that the necessary improvements are implemented without delay. I encourage residents to continue reporting any issues.” Ends
