RAW sewage is being discharged into the River Shannon near the twin villages of Montpelier and O’Briensbridge, close to an area used by swimmers, triathletes and cancer patients participating in the Dragon Boat project.
And, according to local residents, the polluted state of the river has caused deaths among pets and livestock.
The issue has been raised by Limerick Metropolitan Council Cathaoirleach James Collins who said that untreated sewerage is flowing into the river less than 50 metres from a mooring point regularly used by swimmers and rowers.
“Local residents have complained of dogs, a horse and cattle all becoming ill, and in some cases dying, from drinking contaminated water in the area,” Cllr Collins added in a statement to the Limerick Post.
“I have met with local residents and seen the untreated sewage being discharged into the River Shannon myself.
“This is a serious public health issue that’s been confirmed by Dr Eugene Bolton of Trinity Green Environmental Consultants, who was hired by local residents to test the water and examine the efficiency of a septic tank that serves 16 houses in the Brookhaven private housing estate.”
“Limerick City and County Council is planning to build 12 houses adjoining the Brookhaven estate on a site designated as being at risk from flooding. The residents have complained of very strong odours emitting from the septic tank, especially during the summer months.
“Dr Bolton’s report has concluded that the existing tank is not fit for purpose, is a risk to public health, and is a source of environmental pollution. He said it is a highly vulnerable asset and should not be located within a flood zone”.
Cllr Collins is calling on the Council to take on board the findings of the environmental consultants and listen to the concerns of the local residents.
“These extra houses should not go ahead until this clear threat to public health is addressed and appropriate structural works are carried out,” Cllr Collins, a former Mayor of Limerick, said.
“The residents have warned the council that the extra houses would mean that the soakage area in the higher field area would be covered by concrete and extra storm waters would flow down to the tank causing it to fill and overflow, as has previously happened causing the sewage to come out on the road. The EPA licence to operate this septic tank was issued to the Council in 2011, prior to the formation of Irish Water”
“It seems extraordinary and totally contradictory that the Council would recognise the environmental potential of Montpelier on the one hand, yet continue to allow raw sewage to be discharged into the River Shannon. No further housing should be added to this estate, without this fundamental issue of public health being addressed,” Cllr Collins concluded.
