Minister Takes Action on Warrenpoint Odour Concerns

Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray and Slieve Croob Councillor Helena Young, alongside other elected representatives, met with Minister Andrew Muir and officials from the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to address ongoing resident concerns about odour in Warrenpoint.

Mr McMurray said: "We had a very successful meeting with Alliance Minister Muir to discuss the main issues that have become apparent in Warrenpoint and find possible solutions.

"Three main issues raised by elected representatives during the meeting included, the unpleasant odour of the area, the potential environmental impact the odour is causing within the town, and the growing concerns around the possible pollution caused to Carlingford Lough by some of the treatments being used on the waste being stored at Warrenpoint Port. "I am pleased that Minister Muir has agreed to a number of actions to try and alleviate the odour and prevent environmental harm in the area.

"It was concluded that there will be expanded testing for water quality in the area. Additionally, there will be a multi-agency response headed by DAERA encompassing; the Health and Safety Executive, Public Health Agency, and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Furthermore, there is a commitment to work with ReGen to establish whether anything more can be done to help alleviate the odour. Lastly, there will be further communication with Warrenpoint Harbour Authority in regard to the practices within the port.

"It is clear that the conditions that residents living in close proximity to the Port are having to put up with are not acceptable and I welcome the proposed actions by the Minister to tackle these issues. Alliance is committed to working for the residents and businesses of Warrenpoint in order to address this."