A LETTER has been sent to the operator of a water plant outside Letterkenny over “unbearable” white noise constantly coming from the plant.
Residents of the Thorndale area of Letterkenny are being “driven mad” by noise emanating from the water treatment facility at Magherennan, operated by Irish Water.
The humming noise is ongoing day and night and speaking at last week’s Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District meeting, Cllr Gerry McMonagle said the noise is unbearable for residents and added that it could not be good for them.
Cllr McMonagle described it as white noise and humming but it had worsened in recent months. The members heard that the noise was especially affecting the residents who live closest to the plant.
Cllr McMonagle submitted a motion that called for the Council to communicate with the plant operators in relation to the noise emanating from the plant day and night which is making living adjacent to the plant unbearable for the residents of Thorndale and that we hold them to account to address the noise issue without further delay.
A council official explained there are different levels of noise permitted at different times of day – 45 decibels during the night and 55 decibels during the day.
The Council’s Water and Environment section previously investigated the complaint and met with Thorndale residents. Based on the noise measurements recorded during the inspection, a formal warning letter was issued to Irish Water.
During an investigation, the noise from the plant was recorded at around 50 decibels which was acceptable during the day but too high at night.
A previous reading was also recorded at around 57 decibels.
The Council heard some progress had been made regarding the issue in recent days, and works were being carried out to reduce the noise coming from the plant and these were expected to be complete by the end of May.
Cllr McMonagle commended the plant operators for taking action to resolve the issue.
A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said Irish Water has reverted back with information about some works already completed and a timetable
for further remedial works designed to provide adequate noise mitigation, due for completion by the end of May.
“Irish Water has assured the Council that they remain fully committed to resolving the noise issues for the local population and has been in regular contact with the Head of the Thorndale Residents Committee, providing updates on the programmed installation works.”
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