Call to use Crossdoney plant

Wastewater treatment plants in Ballinagh and Crossdoney came up for discussion at a recent meeting following last year's fish kill.

Councillor Winston Bennett raised the motion at the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District meeting on Monday in Cross Hall.

Addressing the issue, he said “last summer in the peak of the dry spell”, a fish kill was reported.

This, he said, occurred due to a number of reasons including “no water in the river”.

Cllr Bennett stated the water shortage “caused a lot of problems and earache from locals”.

He made reference to a water treatment plant, which was built in Crossdoney, but has yet to be utilised.

The Ballinagh man claimed its use could help to avoid a similar fish kill in future.

In response, senior executive officer, Michael Smith, confirmed that Irish Water is designing a plan.

Mr Smith also stated personnel would be visiting the area “next month to investigate the site”.

Fianna Fáil representative Craig Lovett supported the motion, stating the Crossdoney plant was “built 15 years ago” and wondered why it was never activated.

Cllr Bennett suggested “there aren't enough houses to justify it”.

He asked Mr Smith to relay all updates from Irish Water to the group.