COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

MOTION NO.17

MOTION: Councillor N. Fennell

This committee calls on the council to conduct a full investigation to the water pollution taking place in Griffeen Park.

REPORT:

SDCCs Water Pollution team were notified of a water pollution incident on the River Griffeen, on 28th November 2024. The team carried out extensive investigations when informed of the incident and traced the pollution to a specific estate adjacent to the River Griffeen.  The investigation identified that the pollution arose from a single illegal dump of oil to the stormwater drainage network within the estate.  The oil dissipated downstream very quickly and any iridescence appearing in the River Griffeen following the incident is due to the weeping in from vegetation at points along the riverbanks. From our investigations, it has not been possible to identify the individual who dumped the oil.  

It should be noted significant work has been carried out by SDCC to improve the water quality in the River Griffeen in the last number of years (e.g. through drainage check at over 5,300 houses and the identification and repair of 370 domestic misconnections, domestic wastewater treatment system inspections, agricultural surveys and pollution event responses) and as such the Water Pollution team actively investigated the pollution incident that arose on 28th November 2024. As the pollution source was a single dump of oil into the stormwater drainage system from an unidentified source, SDCCs Water Pollution team met with the residents in the estate, where the pollution incident arose, to raise awareness about the importance of enhanced water quality and highlight their requirements under the Water Pollution Act 1977, as amended.

SDCC will continue to monitor the river and greatly appreciates your report with regard to the pollution incident.