Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)

After 27 years of frustration, Uisce Éireann is finally being held accountable following a case brought by the EPA. The organisation was found guilty on both charges for breaches of its wastewater licence at Shannonvale Park, Clonakilty yesterday and fined €4,000. This is a major step forward. It recognises the environmental damages done to Shannonvale Park and to the River Argideen to Clonakilty, a vital local waterway. It also highlights the need to protect water quality near Jones' Bridge, which supplies drinking water to thousands across west Cork.

If this were a farmer, would the EPA wait 27 years while raw sewage leaked into the gardens and local rivers in Shannonvale, Clonakilty? No, the farmer would have been fined and put out of business within weeks. Why is the EPA not holding Uisce Éireann accountable in Dunmanway, Rosscarbery, Ballydehob and Goleen where raw sewage is pouring into the rivers? Now that accountability has finally arrived, what is the plan, what action will be taken to restore Shannonvale Park, protect the River Argideen and ensure proper water infrastructure for future generations?

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