TD goes direct to Taoiseach to solve Mitchelstown waste water problem

A Cork East TD has written to the Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, to raise the ‘frustration’ over the stalled Mitchelstown Waste Water Treatment Plant (MWWTP). 

Deputy Seán Sherlock has again expressed his ongoing frustration with the delays in the plant and confirmed he has written to the Taoiseach to intervene in the matter.

“Residents and businesses in Mitchelstown deserve to have clarity on this matter,” said Deputy Sherlock.

“It has already reached a situation where I had to put in a Freedom of Information request to a response from Irish Water, because of the concerns raised with me by families. 

“This requires a clear, unambiguous, response from the Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael-Green Party Coalition. If we are talking about the future development of towns like Mitchelstown, it has to involve a constant upgrading and addition to the housing stock, because housing stock means families.

“Families mean schools and school places and that brings life to towns and continues that intergenerational succession that you need,” he said. 

Deputy Sherlock said that pressure must be maintained by politicians to provoke Government into action.

“I have written to the Taoiseach, a Corkman, to request his intervention in this debate to bring confidence back to the process. It is my hope that Government councillors and TDs will raise the matter with him also and bring pressure to bear. 

“I reiterate that I’m not letting this decision go. I am going to pursue it for as long as I am absolutely able, and for as long as I have the mandate to do so. Government has the power to intervene.” 

The Avondhu discovered that the delays were caused by a change in the build that is required. Rather than a refurbishment, certain facilities will have to be completely replaced – this caused problems for the funding to be released. 

Local businessman Denis McGrath has started a campaign for work to commence immediately on the project, which has been blamed for stalled housing projects across the area.