Tradaree plant odour wafts to Bunratty

A FOUL smell from the Tradaree Wastewater Treatment plant is noticeable as far away as Bunratty, it was claimed at this week’s Shannon Town Council meeting.
Councillor Patricia McCarthy put forward a motion asking that a satisfactory explanation be forthcoming from Clare County Council for the ongoing odour from the treatment plant.
In his written reply, area engineer Eugene O’Shea stated, “Odours that appeared to emanate from the Tradaree Wastewater Treatment Plant were noticed in Ballycasey recently and may have been exacerbated by the prevailing south-easterly winds at the time. Response Engineering Ltd has recently commenced works to desludge tanks at the treatment plant and when this work has been completed it is anticipated odours will be reduced. The members will be aware that an upgrade to this treatment plant, in order to comply with EU directives and the Waste Water Discharge License issued by the EPA in November 2010, has been included in the Clare Water Services Assessment of Needs programme with a price-tag in excess of €22 million.”
The independent councillor was far from happy with the reply. She dismissed any suggestion that the odour was not a regular problem as ‘nonsense’. “The odour is there constantly and it gets worse on certain occasions,” she added.
With regard to the future of the plant, she said, “I know it is supposed to be upgraded and works are to happen but in the meantime works have to happen to stop the back-up.”
She claimed the smell can be noticed in Bunratty.
Councillor Tony McMahon agreed that it is a regular occurrence. “If desludging is the method needed, there needs to be more done before odours emanate from the source.”
Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn was also critical and he claimed pumps backing up were contributing to the smell.