Raw sewage, wastewater and toilet paper “flowing onto roads and people’s property” in Derrybeg has been branded “utterly unacceptable” after a night of foul flooding in the area.
Newry Sinn Féin councillor Aidan Mathers said he was “deeply concerned” by the incident, which saw residents’ homes and gardens contaminated after heavy rainfall overwhelmed the system.
“As soon as I became aware of this revolting flooding, I contacted NI Water to request immediate action,” he said.
“Recent heavy rainfall is no excuse for sewage flowing onto roads and people’s property. Following my intervention, NI Water conducted a clean-up operation and will, today, survey the sewers to identify the cause and required preventative work.”
Cllr Mathers said the situation posed “serious risks to public health”, caused “significant distress” to affected households and left residents facing the “difficult task” of cleaning and restoring their homes and gardens.
“This was an utterly unacceptable situation,” he added. “Derrybeg residents deserve to live without the prospect of this ever happening again.”
He welcomed the “prompt response” from NI Water to clear the area and investigate the cause of the flooding, but insisted the focus now had to be on ensuring that longer-term solutions are put in place.
“I will keep the pressure on to make sure all necessary preventative works are carried out in good time. Those impacted deserve nothing less,” he said.
“As we head closer to the winter months we need to ensure that all drainage is fit to take expected rainwater safely into the system without causing flooding problems.
“I will continue to engage with the relevant authorities to see the necessary work done to ensure this will not happen again. Residents need to have their concerns addressed as a matter of urgency.”
