Statement

DRD MUST ACT NOW TO CLEAR UP RATHGILL MESS

Posted on: September 21, 2009

“I was shocked to learn that raw sewerage has spewed out onto a field in the Rathgill area. This is not simply as a result of bad weather, but seems to have been the consequence of a failed attempt to deal with a discharge in the area earlier in the week. As a result many residents have had to put up with an unacceptable level of smell and inconvenience. It is intolerable that residents should be put through this, and it is even more unacceptable that incidents of a similar nature affecting residents in North Down in terms of sewerage and flooding. It is unclear whether responsibility lies with Northern Ireland Water, Roads Service or the contractor, but I believe the important thing is that swift action is taken to rectify the problem. 

There is a wider problem, that there is a lack of long term solutions to these type of problems. I pressed the Regional Development Minister earlier this week in the Assembly, and assurances were given that a long term co-ordinated inter agency plan to deal with these hotspots is being pursued. While this is welcome, I believe that the other assurances given by the Minister that where problems exist that they will not have to wait on a long term strategy. For the residents of Rathgill this should mean urgent action.”