Dundrum Still Opposing Waste Water Proposal

“I received a letter recently from NI water which stated: ‘…We would be happy to meet you to discuss the detail of thexa0 project, once the ongoing planning consultation process is completed. NI Water would advise however that it is subject to full environmental regulation and must meet the environmental needs specified by NIEA. Failure to do so could result in NI Water being subject to enforcement action for non-compliance with the specified discharge conditions. [caption id="attachment_21371" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Martin Dundrum Village Association chairman Patrick Clarke, and Nikkie McVery by the Moneycarragh River in Dundrum."][/caption] ‘It is our understanding that in light of recent representations from local groups, NIEA are currently reconsidering the requirement to relocate the storm dlscharge point and NI Water will be led by the final determination of NIEA.’ Mr Clarke continued, “It therefore seems that NI Water firstly don’t want to engage with the people of Dundrum during the consultation period which is very odd, as they are explicitly saying they are prepared to talk after the consultation period has ended, and that secondly, the NIEA may be taking a more proactive lead in the environmental protection of the Moneycarragh River. “We cannot allow the NI Water to ride roughshod over our natural assets and the Dundrum Village Association will be pressing to have this proposal completely overturned and a more sensible one put in its place, one that the people of the area are fully in agreement with. “We hope that the NIEA reconsiders this proposal in light of the potential outcomes if a pollution spill does occur. If treated water is kept in holding tanks due to very prolonged wet weather then there is that risk that they may just fill and overflow. There are no guarantees that damage to the river will not occur if they proceeded with their proposal. “We need that guarantee, but the reality is that it is an ill conceived proposal and needs to go back to the drawing board,” added Mr Clarke. ]]>