Investigations continue into ‘overpowering’ odours

An Environmental Protection Agency investigation into “appalling and overpowering” odours in a Co Clare town has uncovered one source of the smells.

Agency officials visited Shannon town last week following reports of two odours in the area since the previous Wednesday.

One of the smells was “like sulphur” and the other was described as slurry or sewage.

The agency confirmed: “The EPA received two complaints about odours in the Smithstown area of Shannon on Wednesday morning 18 Sept 2013. On investigation it was established that tank de-sludging activities were taking place at around that time at a licensed facility which led to the release of the odour complained of.

“The EPA contacted the licensee immediately on receipt of the complaints and instructed that the appropriate corrective actions be put in place to prevent a recurrence.”

Another smell wafting over the town for over a week had been blamed on a Clare County Council sewage treatment plant. The authority said there has been no malfunction at the facility, but staff were investigating.

The EPA added: “EPA is investigating the odour problem in Shannon Town in collaboration with Clare County Council.”

The issue is to be raised at a Shannon Town Council meeting, while a public meeting has been called for tomorrow night.