Full report on Atlantic Pond wastewater flooding sought by councillor

A full report on what happened in the Atlantic Pond which was flooded with wastewater for two days this week following what has been described as "a malfunction" at the pumping station in the area has been sought by Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy. 

The Monahan and Centre Park Roads were re-opened on Wednesday evening following two days in which local residents and people travelling those routes were forced to make detours around wastewater flooding. 

"A full report on what happened needs to be brought into the public realm so that future worries can be allayed," Mr McCarthy said, praising the work of Cork City Council, Uisce Éireann and the EPA.

"The equipment failure at the Atlantic Pond wastewater pumping station created an enormous wastewater discharge with large scale threats in particular to public health and the city's riverine environment."

In a response to a query from The Echo, Uisce Éireann said in a statement that the pumping station at the Atlantic Pond was now "operating as normal following an unplanned equipment failure".

"While working to resolve the issue, some overflows in the city were opened as a temporary measure and a team of tankers was mobilised to capture the wastewater to mitigate the risk of wastewater flooding homes and businesses. These overflows have since been closed and the tankers have been withdrawn.

"The costs are considered essential operational wastewater repair works. It is not possible to provide an estimation of costs at this time."