Questions regarding the operational capacity and future reliability of the Bearna Wastewater Pumping Station are being raised after the facility was 'plagued' by recent issues, requiring repair works.
Fianna Fáil Galway West TD, John Connolly, said he is concerned regarding potentially recurring issues in the facility, despite recent repair works being carried out by Uisce Éireann.
Following correspondence from his constituents in the Bearna region, Deputy Connolly stated that he had written to Uisce Éireann seeking updates on the project to upgrade the Bearna Wastewater Pumping Station and on the serious malfunctions being experienced by the holding tanks for wastewater in the village.
“Wastewater tanks were having to be physically emptied using machinery," explained Deputy Connolly, adding, “Their contents then had to be brought to an alternative location where they were manually re-entered into the wastewater distribution network, and from there carried to Mutton Island for treatment or to another location for entry into an alternative treatment network.”
Tanker activity
The depth of these concerns resulted in Deputy Connolly reaching out to the state-owned water utility company to expedite repair works to the wastewater plant. In response to the local TD, Uisce Éireann stated that the increased tanker activity at Bearna Pumping Station was due to a mechanical failure and that specialist equipment to “prevent an overflow of sewerage to the sea during storm events and times of breakdown” was ordered.
Uisce Éireann added that “there will be no delay in fitting the equipment” and that it “should reduce tanker activity to a minimum”.
Deputy Connolly said this response was somewhat 'positive' due to Uisce Éireann taking action, but the statement regarding tanker activity raised concerns.
"Tanker activity is the process by which the tanks are emptied. The system in Bearna should be suitably robust to ensure that the mechanics work appropriately in all situations and weather events. People need to know the system will work appropriately and not malfunction again soon," stated the Deputy.
"To avoid confusion, it is important that our public bodies are clear and precise in their use of language, and I would ask Uisce Éireann to clarify its recent statement to me.”
