There is a foul, disgusting and obnoxious malodour emanating from the Drogheda wastewater treatment plant. It is at its worst at night, at weekends and during warm weather. Nearby residents often feel ill and their well-being is significantly affected. Despite frequent meetings with Irish Water, things have not changed. The directive from the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, that Irish Water must address these issues urgently was answered this week by the latter when it said it will have the final critical improvements in place in 2027. We cannot wait another five years to have this issue resolved. I urge that there be immediate Government intervention.

I am aware of the issue with Drogheda wastewater treatment plant and I thank the Deputy for raising it. Odour neutralising treatment will be implemented at the main pumping station this year. I assure him that I will make further contact with the chief executive of Irish Water to make sure any works that can be done are expedited. As the Deputy knows, the Government is putting €6 billion into capital infrastructure on a multi-annual basis between now and 2026. That has never been done before. Great progress is being made but there are still wastewater treatment plants, such as Drogheda, that have odour issues.

It is bigger than that. It is appalling.

Following the Deputy's intervention today, I assure him that I will make contact at a senior level with Irish Water and revert back to him.