Smell in Downpatrick causes stink with MLA

Smell in Downpatrick causes stink with MLA

3 November 2021

A PERSISTENT foul smelling odour which is prevalent in a large part of Downpatrick is to be addressed by Northern Ireland Water.

The utility company is to invest in a permanent dosing plant that will be added to sewage before it is pumped for treatment, with the news welcomed by South Down MLA Colin McGrath.

He said he had been lobbying for the odour issue to be addressed and had been working with NI Water to come up with a solution to the problem,

The foul smell is noticeable in a large part of Downpatrick including the Ballymote Centre and parts of Killough Walk, Glebetown Drive, Bishops Brae Gardens, Mallard Road, Braeside Drive, Vianstown Road, Cathedral View, Pemberton Park and Pegasus Walk. 

“Essentially we are looking at a quarter of Downpatrick affected by this odour issue,” said Mr McGrath.

“It has been a long road to get to this point, but NI Water is working to come up with a solution. I had previously requested a site meeting with officials to look at the key areas where the issue is most prominent and have been told that talks will take place, alongside some preliminary work.”

Mr McGrath said this included the continued dosing of sewage at an upstream wastewater pumping station, with NI Water looking to acquire additional land to construct a permanent dosing plant.

“Some very welcome news is that a local businessman plans to treat waste generated at his premises before it enters the sewerage system,” he said.

“The new system should be up and running in the coming weeks and this is the sort of community activity that Downpatrick does best; local people identifying solutions and putting their shoulder to the wheel.”

Mr McGrath said he will continue to seek progress reports from  NI Water and keep local people up-to-date with what’s happening.

He added: “It’s my hope that we are approaching an appropriate and sustainable solution to this long running issue.”