Louth councillor calls on Uisce Éireann to upgrade waste water treatment plant

Cllr John Sheridan has called on Uisce Éireann (the new name for Irish Water), to commit to upgrading the Collon waste water treatment plant which appears to be currently operating at capacity requiring daily removal of sewerage by lorries. 

Cllr Sheridan raised the issue at the Louth County Council February meeting, with Director of Services Bernadette Woods saying that she would bring it up with the water utility. He told the Dundalk Democrat that "a number of constituents have been in contact with me about this issue. I understand that once per day, sometimes twice per day lorries are coming to the Collon waste water treatment plant and sewerage is being brought away in lorries for processing elsewhere."

The Fianna Fáil councillor commented, "at Monday's council meeting I challenged Uisce Éireann (the new name for Irish Water) as to what plans they have to upgrade the Collon plant. Its obviously concerning to have a large lorry is travelling up a lane past the national school on a daily basis while also crossing a football grounds which frequently are busy with children."

Cllr Sheridan added, "I also raised concerns if the potential for much needed new houses in Collon is being impacted because the sewerage plant is at capacity.

"A report was done investigating the Collon plant in 2020 by the then Irish Water and I understand at the time the plant was not at peak capacity. I have queried what is going to be done about this to make sure this sewerage plant is fit for purpose but also that if required that this plant will be included for capital works as soon as possible"

He further added, "I thank Director of Services Bernie Woods for confirming that she was aware of the matter and will raise it with Uisce Éireann."