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South Down MP Chris Hazzard has asked Louth County Council and Irish Water to publicly commit to a completion date for the long overdue Wastewater Treatment Plant in Omeath that would bring to an end the unacceptable practice of pumping raw sewage into Carlingford Lough.
Speaking at the Good Friday Agreement Committee in the Óireachtas in Dublin, the South Down MP said “The equivalent of 800 wheelie bins of raw sewage is pumped into Carlingford Lough every day - this is completely unacceptable. This unsafe and filthy habit must be brought to an end as soon as possible.
“For a number of years now we have heard of plans to finally deliver a Wastewater Treatment Plant and network pump station that would not only improve water quality in Carlingford Lough, but also help support the economic and social development of the wider area.
“However we have no concrete date for completion, and once again as we enter a new year, with the busy visitor and tourism season approaching, we still have the disgusting reality of raw sewage being pumped into our lough.
"From Rostrevor to Warrenpoint and around to Omeath and Carlingford, the growth in all-year swimming, fishing, and water-based activities like kayaking has been phenomenal in recent years with local people and visitors alike increasingly keen to enjoy the world class natural environment on Carlingford Lough.
“It is imperative that Irish Water and Louth County Council ensure that this vital wastewater scheme is delivered as soon as possible.”
