Hotel manager warns of sewage plant implications

CONSTRUCTING a major sewage plant in Clonshaugh would be detrimental to the environment, to business and to tourism, the head of a top Northside hotel has warned.

Bewley’s Hotel Dublin Airport in Clonshaugh would be located just 500 metres from the controversial regional wastewater treatment plant if the shortlisted site were chosen.

Residents and businesspeople in Clonshaugh were shocked to learn last week that the area, which falls within Dublin City Council’s boundary, is one of three proposed sites being considered by Fingal County Council for the plant.

Although the shortlist was announced and well-publicised last month, the realisation of what could be situated on their doorstep is only now becoming apparent.

Ciaran O’Donovan, general manager of Bewley’s Hotel Dublin Airport, said that he and his in-house legal team have drafted a strongly worded objection to the plan. It will be submitted to Fingal County Council this week.

“There are very many reasons why we believe the idea of locating the plant just down the road is just crazy,

? Mr O’Donovan told Northside People.

“We are opposing it on the basis of the size and location of the site. The land in Clonshaugh is the smallest of the three proposed sites, which means that space is tight and there will be little room for expansion, which will be needed when the plant at Ringsend reaches its capacity in 2020.

“There doesn’t seem to be any forward thinking in this respect.

?

Mr O’Donovan, who has been in the hotel business for 16 years, believes it is inevitable that business will be adversely affected if the plant was to be located close to Bewley’s Hotel Dublin Airport.

“We are also opposed on the grounds of air quality and control,

? he stated.

“The plant will be located 500 metres from the hotel which is the largest hotel in the area with 466 rooms and 144 employees.

“I find it very hard to believe that the plant would be odourless, particularly in light of what a problem it’s been in Ringsend where Dublin City Council has had to spend $40 million on odour alleviating measures.

“Forty-five per cent of our business comes from foreign tourists coming from or going to the airport. What will they think when this giant sewage plant is one of the first and last things they will see when they fly in and out of Dublin Airport?

“It doesn’t really give a good impression of Ireland or set the tone for a good holiday.

?

Flooding and a lack of sufficient access are also sources of concern in an area prone to floods and heavy traffic.

Mr O’Donovan said he would make his opposition known in a professional and businesslike manner.

Meanwhile, more than 50 Clonshaugh residents will take to the streets with placards during a planned protest outside Fingal County Council’s headquarters in Swords this Thursday, June 14, when a public consultation open day will be held.

Siobhan Daly of Riverside Residents’ Association, which has joined forces with Newbury and Clonshaugh Residents’ Association, said they were under pressure to show the council how opposed to the plan they were.

“It came as a shock to us to find out through Deputy Tommy Broughan (Lab) that the sewage plant could be located in our area because we are in the remit of Dublin City Council,

? Ms Daly told Northside People.

“We are on the back-foot and trying to make up ground.

“We want to know what are the reasons for choosing Clonshaugh as a potential site for the treatment plant and whether there is any need for the plant at all?

?

Deputy Broughan attended Riverside Residents’ Association’s agm last week.

“The residents rightly expressed alarm and anxiety at the devastating impact such a massive sewage plant would have on their local community,

? said Deputy Broughan.

“I have already sent strong submissions to Fingal County Council’s first two consultation phases supporting Riverside, Clonshaugh and other residents and totally opposing the siting of this super sewage plant at this location.

?

Artane Whitehall ward councillor Larry O’Toole (SF) warned that Sinn Féin would vehemently oppose this development at council and Government level.

Annsbrook and Newtowncorduff, both in Lusk, are the two other preferred site options that have been shortlisted for the plant.

The public open day at the council’s offices in Swords on Thursday will take place from 2pm to 8pm, and again on Saturday, June 16, from 11am to 4pm.

The project team will be available on these days to discuss the report, answer questions and listen to views.

A final decision on the preferred site is expected by the end of the year and work on the planning application will be progressed in 2013.