Raw sewage still flowing into Avoca River despite new €139m wastewater treatment plant
The Wicklow PeopleIt’s emerged that part of Arklow Harbour is not connected to the new wastewater treatment plant in the town, causing high amounts of e-coli to be found in the river.
Following a query from independent Cllr Peir Leonard during the July meeting of Wicklow County Council, director of services Theresa O’Brien confirmed the buildings in the harbour are not connected to the sewage system.
“The reasons why and what is going to happen I am not sure, but I will find out.” she added.
It means that there is still raw sewage flowing freely into the harbour and the Avoca River, despite the recently completed €139 million euro treatment plant.
Construction of the Arklow plant began in 2021 after decades of delays due to planning and legal hurdles and disputes.
Despite the long wait, the project was delivered on budget six months ahead of schedule.
Reacting to the news, Cllr Leonard said the omission is not acceptable.
“The water tests from the Arklow Sea Scouts are showing quite significant pollution still in the harbour nearly a month on since the facility was formally launched.”
“It’s important that the rest of this area is connected as a matter of priority. The harbour is the most active part of the Avoca River and used regularly by many community groups and young people. They deserve to operate in sewage free water.”
The issue was also raised by Cllr Leonard during the July meeting of Arklow Municipal District when she expressed concern with the district engineers.
“A recent report conducted by the Arklow Sea Scouts shows there is a lot of harmful e-coli flowing into the river. I believe signage needs to be erected in the area, so the public are made aware.”
In response engineer Avril Hill said they no longer have control of how the treatment plant is managed.
“The wastewater treatment plant which began operating this year is now fully under the remit of Uisce Eireann, so it is now their responsibility to investigate the matter. We will continue to raise our concerns, but it may be helpful for the chair to send a letter looking to clarify the situation.”
Cllr Miriam Murphy said what happened is shocking and queried why there wasn’t proper oversight.
“Can any temporary measures be put in place?” she asked.
“As elected representatives we have tried repeatedly to raise water issues with Uisce Eireann but this approach doesn’t seem to be working.”
Echoing those sentiments, Cllr Warren O’Toole said Uisce Eireann is a very difficult state body to deal with.
“There are constant issues with pipes on the Emoclew Road. Every three or four weeks crews are on site there to try and reduce leaking.”
Cllr Pat Fitzgerald called for better communication from the state body about the status of local projects.
“They haven’t got a proper set up, these leaking pipes will continue to cause problems if they are not addressed properly.”
“Work is only ever half done which is not right. Something needs to be done, it’s leaving odours.”
Cllr Sylvester Bourke also called for the entire mains to be replaced and stressed the importance that all remaining temporary treatment plants in the town are decommissioned.