Residents and local representatives are calling for a formal investigation into a strong sewage smell in Mahon that has also affected Blackrock and Jacob’s Island.
The odour, which has been an issue for years during hot summer weather, has worsened during the recent heatwave. It is said to be particularly noticeable around Skehard Road, and on very hot days some residents say it can even be detected as far as Rochestown.
People posting on the Blackrock Mahon Community News Facebook page said they have been badly affected in recent days and have been unable to keep their windows open. One resident said the smell of sewage was “going through the house,” while others described it as relentless and compared it to a dog fouling indoors.
After weeks of dry weather and the recent hot spell, many residents say enough is enough and want a major investigation. Cork City Councillor Peter Horgan said the situation is “not good enough” and that authorities need to act.
There are suggestions the smell may be linked to drainage issues and the Douglas River estuary, especially in warm, dry conditions. Cllr Horgan said Uisce Éireann recently told him the Ballinure Header Chamber is the likely source of the odour.
He said he has written again to Uisce Éireann, Cork City Hall and the EPA calling for a formal investigation into the ongoing smell, including the work of drainage contractors operating on behalf of Uisce Éireann in the Mahon and Blackrock area. He added that earlier commitments to install monitoring equipment and staff the Ballinure Header Chamber directly have not solved the problem.
Uisce Éireann says it is carrying out a monitoring programme at the site to better understand what is causing the odour. The Ballinure Header Chamber is part of the €50 million Cork Main Drainage project, which was completed in 2002 and was designed to improve wastewater treatment and help bring Lough Mahon and the estuary up to EU bathing standards. Raw wastewater passes through the chamber before being sent to the Carrigrenan wastewater treatment plant on Little Island.