Sewage still going into Galway Bay is 'an embarrassment'
Issued: 28 October 2005
Statement by Niall Ó Brolcháin
The Green Party today highlighted that raw sewage is still being pumped into Galway Bay. This is despite commitments that one hundred per cent of all sewage is supposed to go directly to the Mutton Island sewage treatment plant. Raw sewage has been pumped into the mouth of the River Corrib for the last year from a pipe on the Long Walk near the Spanish Arch and also from a pipe near the Fisheries Tower.
Green Party Galway County Councillor Niall Ó Brolcháin said today that, ?It is embarrassing and disgusting that raw sewage is still being pumped into Galway Bay endangering wildlife and giving the city a bad image. I am calling for money to be set aside in the budget as action on this issue can no longer be delayed both on health and environmental grounds.
?Families and children who come to see the swans and ducks at The Long Walk get to see nappies, toilet paper and raw human excrement. At high tide, the sewage comes out directly from underneath The Long Walk wall.It is not safe to go down the steps to the shore at low tide because the whole area is so filthy.?
?It is also damaging to our tourism industry. Visitors to Galway are shocked to see raw sewage being pumped into the bay.
?We hear that Mutton Island is taking all the sewage out of the system but it is obvious that it is not. The council is well aware of the problem and it has been brought to their attention by the Natural Environment Waterways Committee. I don't understand why there is no money for this. I don't understand why nothing has been done. It has been flagged before the last budget. I am now calling for immediate action on this issue.?