Sir, - It was with dismay that I read in your newspaper (January 10th) the decision by the Minister for the Environment to proceed with the construction of a sewage plant on Mutton Island, in Galway Bay. I would like to register my strong opposition and protest at such an ill advised decision. There is no doubt that Galway urgently needs a sewage plant adequate to serve the needs of the city; however the location of the plant on Mutton Island, and the construction of a causeway to serve such a plant, will be disastrous for the bay.
The proposed sewage plant will destroy a beautiful view of Galway Bay, with Mutton Island and the lighthouse as its focus point. The sewage plant will dwarf the lighthouse itself; the causeway will cause the sea level to rise and will leave the area prone to flooding. There was extensive flooding of the Claddagh area last year, and a rising sea level will make the area more vulnerable in the future.
I have no doubt that when the construction of the sewage plant is complete, the majority of people in Galway will regret that such a blot on the landscape was ever allowed to be constructed. I am aware that there is a dangerous level of raw sewage being pumped into the bay and that a sewage plant is required urgently. However I would urge Galway Corporation to reconsider the location before such an environmental disaster is allowed to continue: - Yours, etc..
Beach Court, Grattan Road, Galway.