Councillor suggests legal proceedings over sewage issue in Mayo seaside town

PRESSURE is coming on Irish Water to stop untreated sewage being discharged into the sea in Newport.

A local councillor has requested legal proceedings be brought against the utility, while another suggested a formal complaint be lodged in Europe.

Councillor Brendan Mulroy highlighted his concerns during a debate on Blue Flag beaches and by-laws to restrict access by dogs during the bathing season.

In Newport, he said, you could see the contents of toilets going out on the tide. There had been an illusion that sewage was being treated, but it was in a holding tank and was being released into the sea, untreated.

If they were targeting dogs, he would ask Mayo County Council and the EPA to initiate court proceedings against Irish Water. If a householder was doing that and said they would have a treatment plant in three years, they would be prosecuted, he stated.

It wasn't good enough to say they would deal with it in three years.

Director of services John Condon said they have been working to try and persuade Irish Water to bring the work in Newport forward.

On legal action, whether it was an individual or a body, if this was being contemplated they would not be discussing it in public.

Councillor Gerry Murray said the council has the option of lodging a formal complaint in Europe about all waste water treatment plants in the county which are not in compliance. He would propose they do this, saying it was the logical route to go.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne proposed an amendment to Councillor Mulroy's request – the chief executive should write to the EPA pointing out that this sewage continues to be discharged into the sea in Newport and asking what proposals they have to take action on it.