Odour from Mayo sewage plant "getting worse" as residents suffer

Stench spreads to additional areas as Uisce Éireann investigation continues

The foul odour crisis emanating from the wastewater treatment plant in Castlebar has intensified, with reports now indicating the problem has spread to additional areas of the town.

Residents along the Oaks, Oakview, Turlough Road, Rowan Drive, and Springfield areas have reported particularly severe conditions in recent days, suggesting the issue is worsening despite an ongoing investigation by Uisce Éireann.

This development follows a formal complaint lodged by Castlebar Municipal District Councillor Harry Barrett on behalf of residents in The Oaks and Oakview estates, who described "unbearable conditions" with smells so potent they were "clinging to clothes."

Local sources indicated the stench has been especially pronounced during evening hours, rendering many homes uninhabitable with windows and doors necessarily sealed against the noxious fumes.

Cllr. Barrett had previously demanded "immediate investigation" and both short and long-term solutions from the water utility, which acknowledged receipt of the complaint last week and assigned a reference number to the case.

As the problem appears to be escalating rather than improving, affected residents across multiple estates are growing increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as inadequate action from the utility company.