Grease blamed for sewage link in Downpatrick park

9 October 2013

LARGE blocks of cooking grease are being blamed for the latest sewage spill at Dunleath Park in Downpatrick.

Youth soccer matches at the Ballydugan Road pitches had to be abandoned three weeks ago after raw sewage seeped onto two pitches on consecutive days.

There have been a number of spills at the Down Council-owned sports pitches over the years and the Downpatrick Youth Football League has been forced to abandon games after a number of playing surfaces were contaminated.

Following the most recent incident, South Down MP Margaret Ritchie and Councillor Colin McGrath met with senior Northern Ireland Water officials to discuss the problem and how the organisation plans to prevent similar spills.

NI Water is planning to invest £2m at Dunleath Park, with work starting next January. The scheme will prevent storm and waste water flowing into the same drains. There are also plans for a new storm water tank adjacent to an existing pumping station at Russell Park.

Miss Ritchie said the most recent sewage spill at the sports pitches is being blamed on large blocks of grease clogging up the sewerage network.

“The clearance of drains at this part of the town resulted in the removal of large blocks of grease from the sewerage network,” revealed the MP.

“In an effort to address the issue, I have been assured that the manholes at the sports pitches will now be sealed. I will also be seeking a meeting with Down Council environmental health officials and will work with them in an effort to prevent so much grease entering the sewerage network.”

Councillor McGrath has welcomed confirmation that the manholes are to be sealed and hopes the sports pitches will no longer be contaminated with raw sewage.

He added: “What has been happening at this part of Downpatrick is nothing short of disgraceful. These pitches are a public amenity used by dozens of children and adults. The playing surface must remain free from contamination.”

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