Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Ó Laoghaire for raising this issue. I imagine that he experienced frustration during the summer and has probably waiting for an opportunity to highlight this matter in the Dáil. Perhaps he could provide some feedback on whether this malodour was at a heightened level during the summer months. We had a pretty dry June and July, with high temperatures and low rainfall. There probably was not much flow in the system, if that makes sense. I am not an engineering expert, but my understanding is that this can lead to malodours.

We had a similar issue with a brand-new system in Courtmacsherry. What happened was that because the sewage had to travel such a distance from Timoleague to Courtmacsherry, the malodour was exacerbated in areas where it was settling and remaining stagnant. That is pretty much the explanation Uisce Éireann is giving in this instance.

The response is perhaps not much different from the one Deputy Ó Laoghaire received two weeks ago, but I will endeavour ensure that he gets clarity on the other issues he has raised.

Uisce Éireann informs me that during the summer months, it is not unusual to see a seasonal spike in odour instances across the country. Odours can be more pronounced for a variety of reasons, including prolonged warm or dry weather, humidity, reduced wastewater flows, increased biological activity and seawater infiltration, wind direction and agricultural activities can also be contributing factors.

As the Deputy outlined, the primary cause of the odour locally is septicity in the wastewater network. When wastewater becomes stagnant and oxygen levels drop, hydrogen sulphide gas is produced, resulting in strong, unpleasant smells. This is exacerbated by low flows and high temperatures, particularly during the summer months. That was the explanation I was given in terms of what we experienced locally in the Courtmacsherry-Timoleague area. I wonder if that is what is happening in this instance.

The Deputy will know from the response he received that Uisce Éireann is making improvements and is carrying out early contractor involvement, ECI, works at Atlantic Pond and Ballinure to upgrade the sites there. As part of these works, Uisce Éireann will be introducing septicity dosing at Atlantic Pond.

That is where specific chemicals are introduced that have an impact in terms of reducing the malodour. The idea is to reduce that stale malodour during the summer months when flows are low and temperatures are high.

In summary, Uisce Éireann is aware of the issues. The Deputy has asked for clarification in terms of getting a bit more evidence as to whether what Uisce Éireann is saying is producing these malodours is factual. I have seen in my personal experience where this has been the case. If further works are required in this case, however, I know that, in the situation where I am, an extra pumping station is the solution. Perhaps Uisce Éireann needs to go a step further and inquire if an extra pumping station is needed in this case, too, to increase the flow so there is not that stagnant sewage and malodour. Uisce Éireann is going to continue to monitor the situation there, but it is also talking about reviewing and updating operational procedures as needed to ensure a long-term resolution in the area. If I can give the Deputy and the residents of Mahon and the Blackrock area any chink of light, it is that Uisce Éireann is open to reviewing the situation so that a long-term solution can perhaps be built there.

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