Temporary water treatment plant is now urgently needed in South Sligo – McLoughlin

Fine Gael TD for Sligo-Leitrim, Tony McLoughlin, has called for a temporary water treatment plant in South Sligo in order to provide safe drinking water for local communities.
The current water treatment services at the Lough Talt supply fall short of treating drinking water for the potential risk of cryptosporidium contamination or dangerous THM levels.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, while THM or Trihalomethane is a by-product of the chlorination process which can be harmful if not removed from drinking water.
Deputy McLoughlin said: “A temporary water treatment plant is urgently required at Lough Talt so the communities of south Sligo have access to quality clean drinking water into the future.
“Sligo County Council has refused to allow construction of an interim treatment plant, followed by a subsequent refusal by An Bord Pleanála, despite the clear risk to public health posed by the current plant.
“Approximately 13,000 people in the town of Tubercurry, as well as the surrounding villages of Annagh, Aclare, Curry, Charlestown, Lavagh, Ballanacarrow Carroweden, Kilmacteige and Coolaney rely on water treatment services from this plant.
“While it has long been recognised that Lough Talt is a special area of conservation based on vulnerable habitats and species, an entirely new drinking water supply for these 13,000 customers will involve complex works that are likely to take 7 to 10 years to complete.
“In the interim, it is unacceptable that the drinking water for these Sligo communities will not meet minimum public health standards.
“I have been in constant communication with Irish Water over this issue and they have assured me they are reviewing all options.
“It is critical for these communities to have clean and safe drinking water and I will work with all stakeholders to find a solution to this issue.”

ENDS