Petition launched public health assessment following release of untreated gas in Cork 

A petition seeking a public health assessment for the communities impacted by the release of untreated gases in Mahon and Blackrock has been launched on behalf of residents.

Peter Horgan, Labour Party councillor for the Cork City South East ward, launched the petition following confirmation from Uisce Éireann that there was a sustained release of hydrogen sulphide (HS) gas from the Ballinure Header Chamber in recent weeks.

The utility company said emissions were released from the facility in Mahon as three of four fan units and three air- handling units at the treatment plant were “operating below design criteria”.

It further said that due to health and safety concerns for the workforce, the building had to be ventilated daily, allowing gases to escape untreated.

However, a spokesperson for Uisce Éireann told The Echo that the issue is “not considered to have presented a health hazard to the general public”.

Unpleasant odours

“We recognise that hydrogen sulphide can generate unpleasant odours and may cause concern for nearby residents,” the spokesperson added.

“We understand those concerns, and Uisce Éireann continues to monitor conditions at the site.”

The company further confirmed that while its monitoring system had recorded elevated hydrogen sulphide levels on one occasion in June, “the HS reading referenced was recorded within an enclosed operational area”.

“HS typically disperses and dilutes rapidly when released into the open air,” the spokesperson said.

“Based on the information available, concentrations measured within the enclosed area would not result in concentrations in surrounding public areas that pose a risk to public health.”

Mr Horgan, who also serves as chairman of the HSE’s South West Regional Health Forum, said he had asked for the public health assessment to be undertaken by the HSE “on foot of this information, and the testimony of lived experience of residents in the area”.

“With respect to the testimonies of illness and impact on quality of life that I have received, and the fact that it took a formal complaint to the EPA to uncover the gas release truth, my confidence in these organisations is at rock bottom,” said Mr Horgan.

Embarrassing

“It is embarrassing to have to resort to petitions and surveys to try and push for what should be a natural follow-on when such gases are being released regularly.

“I am not interested in the perpetual campaign of protest. I want to see actions that result in the quality of life restored for the people I represent.”

However, in response to the request, the HSE said that “any issues relating to potential odours and gases affecting the public should be addressed by the local authority”.

Mr Horgan said that the communities of Mahon, Blackrock, and Jacob’s Island “deserve the same quality of air” as those living in other areas.

“If this were happening in Dalkey or Howth, I have no doubt that action would have been taken a long time ago.

“However, we are where we are in terms of ensuring the people’s voice is heard.

“I would encourage anyone who is concerned about this matter to sign the petition,” added Mr Horgan.

“I am not going to give up on this until we have a resolution.”

For more information, or to sign the petition for a public health assessment, visit: https://tinyurl.com/publichealthnow.