Sinn Féin’s Chris Hazzard has described the return of foul odour connected to the activity of Warrenpoint Port as “utterly unacceptable” as party colleague, Sinead Ennis MLA requests urgent meeting with DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir.
Mr Hazzard said:
“In recent days we have been contacted once again by residents and businesses in Warrenpoint who are dismayed that the foul odour that plagued the town last summer has returned.
“We have visited nearby homes struggling with both the intermittent foul odour, and the huge increase in flies seemingly associated with the rotting stench.
“Drone footage has also been published online which would appear to support growing anecdotal reports that a large amount of RDF waste has been allowed to sit dockside, and with temperatures rising, it has begun to rot much quicker than it would during winter months.
“Either way, the current situation is not acceptable. Warrenpoint Port must now take urgent action to address this issue once and for all.
“Indeed at a rather frank meeting last year with Warrenpoint Port senior management, we were given assurances that if this issue returned all options would be on the table in the search for a solution.
“We have undoubtedly now reached that point; residents and visitors will not tolerate another episode like last summer.
“Meanwhile Sinead Ennis MLA has confirmed that she has requested an urgent meeting with Minister Andrew Muir, the minister responsible for environmental health.
The South Down MLA said:
“I have spoken with Minister Muir in recent days to relay the anger and desperation in our local community at this situation.
“I am encouraged that he has listened to the concerns of the community, and engaged constructively with me on this issue; I am hopeful a meeting will be facilitated as soon as possible.”
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CLANRYE NEWS 