Dundalk Sewerage Treatment Plant fails to meet EU standards with failure occurring in Blackrock

Dundalk Sewerage Treatment Plant has been listed as one of 38 around the country whose sewage discharges failed to meet EU treatment standards.

The plant, based on the Lower Point Road, was named in a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as failing to meet the European Directive on urban waste-water treatment, which was set 20 years ago.

Gerard O’Leary, Director of EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement, said the 38 urban centres on the list “place the health of people and the environment at risk”.

He added: “The reasons for the failures range from, in some instances a complete absence of infrastructure to treat sewage, in others, inadequate infrastructure, and in further instances, poor management and operation of infrastructure.”

The Dundalk plant did not meet the mandatory quality standard for nitrogen, according to the report with the failure occurring in Blackrock where 6,000 people reside.

The plant has been given until Q2 2016 to provide more stringent treatment.

It also found that waste water was discharged without treatment in Omeath.

The EPA said priorities for Irish Water are to eliminate raw sewage discharges, reduce the pollution impact of sewage and improve the performance of existing wastewater infrastructure.

Martin named new Louth County Council chief

Joan Martin of Louth County Council

Earlier this week Joan Martin was appointed as the new chief executive of Louth County Council.

Ms Martin had been filling the position for the last few months since the last County Manager, Philomena Poole, left Louth to take up a position with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Ms Martin has previously filled in as acting County Manager following Conn Murray’s departure from Louth two years ago.

She has worked in the Irish public service for close to 40 years and holds a degree in Public Administration, as well as a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

Amongst the areas she has worked in over the years include transportation, planning, environment and water services.

Ms Martin has been most active in recent years in the Louth Age Friendly Alliance.