Locals complain of foul smells in picturesque village

PEOPLE in the picturesque village of Sneem, where Taoiseach Bertie Ahern holidays, are kicking up a stink over a foul smell believed to be coming from the local sewage system.

Artist Rosemary Bradshaw, who lives in Sneem, yesterday claimed the odour near the eastern edge of the village was atrocious. Tourists as well as locals were complaining, she said.

Sneem, which won the national tidy town’s competition more than 20 years ago, is a popular stopping point for people travelling around the Ring of Kerry.

The use of public water supplies is also being restricted in Sneem, with switch-offs at night because of an insufficient supply.

Ms Bradshaw said: "We’re living in near third-world conditions — it’s awful."

Increased development, including scores of holiday homes and a large hotel are putting a strain on water and sewage systems in the area.

The council said water engineers had identified the source of the smell as a malfunctioning sewer pipe near the church, which would be replaced.

"A wastewater treatment plant is currently being constructed in Sneem. When this is operational, it will alleviate any sewerage problems which may occur in the village," a council spokesman said.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and members of his family recently enjoyed their annual holiday in Parknasilla, just outside Sneem, which is the latest tourist destination in Kerry to suffer smells and water shortages.

Foul smells were reported in Kenmare and Waterville last year. Smells have also been reported from time to time in An Daingean.

A new sewage and water system is under construction in Waterville, while development has been halted in Kenmare until the town’s inadequate water supply is addressed. Kerry County Council is engaged in a multi-million euro water and sewage development programme.

However, work on sewage schemes costing a total of €4 million in Kilcummin, Milltown and Barraduff was suspended recently for health and safety reasons, according to the council.

Donal Hickey

© Irish Examiner