A MALFUNCTIONING sewage treatment plant at the Mariners’ View estate in Castletownbere has been significantly improved since the matter was raised at last month’s West Cork Municipal District meeting.

At that meeting, Independent Cllr Finbarr Harrington had requested that standing orders be suspended so they could discuss the problem, and residents’ very real concern that human waste could back up into their homes.

The problem on the 20-year-old estate, which comprises of about 40 homes, is a treatment plant that is seeping sewage onto a children’s play area.

Cllr Harrington noted that when the council was in charge of water infrastructure works the system was desludged once.

But despite repeated complaints to Uisce Éireann, the water utility had done nothing to rectify the problem.

At last Monday’s meeting of the Western Division, Cllr Harrington confirmed that Cork County Council’s own environment team visited the site to carry out a full inspection and assess the works required to bring the facility back to an acceptable standard.

Since that inspection, the councillor told The Southern Star that a contractor has completed extensive clearance works around the plant.

They removed heavy scrub, weeds and vegetation that had built-up over a prolonged period and was impacting access and the overall condition of the site.

Cllr Harrington said residents were delighted and it has already led to a noticeable difference to the appearance and maintenance of the area.

Further work is planned with another contractor due on site to de-sludge the tank and carry out essential cleaning.

In addition, Cllr Harrington said an electrical contractor is scheduled to attend next week to service the system’s pumps and other key mechanical and electrical equipment​.

After years of frustration and concern about the facility, residents have described the works as ‘positive and encouraging.’

However, they believe it is now vital that Uisce Éireann puts in place a  proper long-term maintenance and monitoring plan to ensure the plant is maintained to a high standard.

Cllr Harrington agreed saying: ‘There must also be a clear commitment to connect the treatment plant to the new main sewerage network in Castletownbere as part of a long-term solution for the area.’