Residents concerned about sewage smell

Residents concerned about sewage smell

9 April 2025

FED up residents in Downpatrick have had enough of a noxious odour linked to a creaking sewerage system which has been engulfing their homes for a number of years, a local politician has warned.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath is seeking an urgent meeting with senior Northern Ireland Water officials to address a ling-standing issues which affects residents in a number of areas.

He said immediate action is required to deal with the problem which has left residents “frustrated and disgusted”.

Mr McGrath said residents “have suffered from the odour for years” and has called on NI Water toidentify solutions and immediately deal with the problem.

He said that for too long, residents have had to endure unpleasant and often unbearable sewage smells in various parts of the town. 

Mr McGrath has linked the issue to what he described as Downpatrick’s “outdated sewerage system” that cannot cope with the demands being placed upon it by a growing community.

“While these smells have sadly become a part of daily life for many, the situation is no longer being ignored by the people who live locally,” he declared.

“Enough is enough and as a Downpatrick resident I know how frustrating and distressing it is to deal with these smells on a regular basis. 

“I’ve experienced it myself and heard from countless constituents who feel the same way. People are tired of living with this issue and  want action now.”

The South Down MLA said while Downpatrick’s sewer network “is in desperate need of upgrading,” it’s not a problem that can be solved overnight. 

“The system is outdated and the required upgrades will take years to complete. Until that happens, local residents continue to suffer the consequences,” he declared.

Confirming he has written to NI Water seeking an urgent meeting, Mr McGrath said he will be seeking assurances from senior officials that everything possible will be done to address the issue in the short-term.

“While we understand that full upgrades will take time, we need immediate action to reduce these smells and we need NI Water to commit to that,” he continued.

“The current state of the sewerage system is no longer acceptable and the failure to act has left Downpatrick in a constant state of discomfort.”

Mr McGrath also described the lack of urgency from the Northern Ireland Executive and relevant bodies as “deeply concerning”.

He declared: “This problem has gone on far too long and the people of Downpatrick deserve better.

I may sit in the Opposition at Stormont, but my priority is always the people of South Down. They deserve to live in a town that is free from these persistent, unpleasant odours.”

And Mr McGrath said the time for excuses is over.

“The people of Downpatrick have waited long enough and they cannot afford to wait any longer and I will continue to press for action and won’t rest until this issue is resolved.

“The Executive must stop working in silos and start prioritising the people they are elected to serve. We need a solution, and we need it now.”