Uisce Éireann asked to supply timeline for tackling bad odours in Cork city suburbs 

A Cork TD has called on Uisce Éireann to provide a timeline for a resolution to the current bad odours in Blackrock and Mahon — reportedly emanating from pumping stations.

Sinn Féin’s Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire this week raised the issue in the Dáil with minister of state and fellow Cork TD Christopher O’Sullivan.

“The main issue is a foul odour that can be smelled in the open air,” said Mr Ó Laoghaire. 

“This has been the case for four weeks. The odour is legitimately and correctly being linked to sewage issues. However, residents can also smell it from their sinks and toilets.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first sewage-related issue in that part of the city. Not far away on Monahan Rd, there were issues regarding a sewage overflow near the Marina earlier this year.”

He said he has been in contact with Uisce Éireann a number of times over the past couple of weeks, and the most recent response he received referred to works going on at Atlantic Pond and Ballinure to upgrade the pumping stations there. 

Above capacity

He queried if the pumping stations are operating above capacity.

In response, Mr O’Sullivan said Uisce Éireann informed him it was not unusual to see a seasonal spike in odour incidents during the summer months.

“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.”

He added that in a similar situation in his constituency of Cork South West, “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.”