‘This is 40 years in the courts’ – Answers demanded as Wexford residents continue to endure ‘overbearing stink’

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Those impacted by odours emanating from a mushroom composting plant are “entitled to some information” on court proceedings relating to alleged offences in their area. Recounting a recent visit to Ballyminaun in north Wexford, where the odour is at its most severe, Councillor Joe Sullivan said being in the vicinity of the plant was “overbearing”.

“The stink was baffling, I know it’s a live case and it’s before the courts, but it’s 40 years before the courts,” he said at the June meeting of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District (GKMD).

“I know the courts in Ireland have a reputation for being slow but this is 40 years, the smell was overbearing. There were 20-30 people at this venue and every one of them remarked on the smell."

With the case proceeding through the judicial system, council officials were reluctant to provide Cllr Sullivan despite his protestations.

“The residents of the area are entitled to some information,” he argued. “Where are we on this, what are we doing? Saying we’re ‘in the courts’ is too vague.”