My second motion at yesterdays (20th July) MD meeting, ” the council clarify the purpose of and reason for location of a vent at the corner of the junction in Athgarvan Village and what can be done to address the odour or relocation of the vent?

Here is the report issued by: Mr J Boland, District Manager: This is a matter for Irish Water and should be referred accordingly to its Head of Asset Strategy/Planning. The following background and commentary may be of help and assistance to the members:

There is an intermittent odour issue in Athgarvan, mainly close to the crossroads, at confluence of the sewer line from the Curragh /Brownstown /Cutbush. Efforts have been made to put measures in place over the years to try to alleviate/abate the issue though the provision of vents on the sewer line.

This has had some benefit but not fully resolved the issue. There are also plans to upgrade the pumping station and this will incorporate some odour abatement measures but, as things stand, there is no timeline as yet from Irish Water.

In any event this will only address odour issues in the vicinity of the plant. If there are complaints locally about odours, it would be best if these were formally logged with Irish Water [ 1800 278 278 – there is a dedicated line for public representatives] and, in turn, complaints can at least be logged and formally referred to the local authority. The matter could also be raised at the periodic Irish Water clinics.

This might also be possibly helpful in terms of influencing Irish Water investment decisions. Please note that the Council have raised this matter with Irish Water on a number of occasions over the years and ultimately it is a matter for that utility to resolve.