‘Untreated’ sewage flowing into Woodford River

A local resident has raised serious concerns about what he believes to be regular sewage discharge into the Woodford River in Ballyconnell, describing what he says is a persistent and worsening problem, particularly during peak periods.

The man, who lives close to the river, contacted this newspaper after claiming he had observed run-off from two sewerage pump stations located on either side of the river feeding what he suspects is untreated sewage into the waterway. According to the resident, the issue has been ongoing for years but became particularly noticeable in the run up to Christmas. “It was flowing intensively for at least a week.”

“It was non-stop,” he claimed, describing what he witnessed as a sluggish, grey overflow entering the river. The day the Celt meets him at the bridge, the distinctive smell of sewerage lingers in the air. He points to visible toilet paper residue around manholes and around the run-off.

Underground, a venting sound along with a whiff of sewerage announces an increased discharge of greyish water into the river. “From a health perspective, this couldn’t be good,” he says, making the point that not far downstream the local kayakers train, turning upside down in the water and anglers regularly fish from the shore.

The resident reported the issue to Cavan County Council through its online complaints system in early January but claims to have received no response. He also contacted the Environmental Protection Agency (DPA) via its website and similarly had not heard back at the time of speaking to this newspaper. “That’s why I reached out,” he said. “This isn’t the way it should be.”

Local Councillor Damian Brady, who also works as a caretaker for the Ballyconnell pumps, acknowledged the issue. “No sewerage should be entering the river at all,” he said. But with heavy rainfall and surface water entering the system “it cannot be helped”.

“We’ve known about this problem for a while and works are ongoing,” he assured. “Only last week there was a crew on site completing readings and maintenance.”

Cllr Brady explained that the pumps, which date back to the 1950s, were designed for a much smaller population. With significant growth in Ballyconnell in recent years, he believes the infrastructure is at capacity and can no longer cope. Unlike modern systems, the pumps do not have overflow storage tanks.

“We badly need an upgrade,” he said, adding that he hopes planned works under Uisce Éireann will lead to refurbishment and expansion of the ageing infrastructure. “It’s not right that sewerage water is going into the river. The works are ongoing, and we hope the issue will be resolved soon.”

Uisce Éireann were also contacted for a statement.