Member's statement: South Tyrone: Odours
Member's statement by Mr Colm Gildernew on .
- MLA
- Mr Colm Gildernew
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 2 June 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- South Tyrone: Odours
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5583912
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Once again, I raise the issue of the odours affecting communities across south Tyrone. It is deeply frustrating to see continual repetitions of such issues. Two individual communities are particularly impacted on by them: I think of communities in the Killeeshil and Cabragh areas and, separately, the Granville and Eskra areas. In recent weeks, there was a serious gas leak related to the issue in Granville. The issue was reported as far away as Eglish, which is four miles away. Such was the concern that it required attendance by the Fire and Rescue Service. I met representatives from NI Environment Agency again last week about both those issues. Once again, they have committed to investigate and review. I have no doubt that they will do that, but communities are increasingly frustrated that the same pattern is repeated over and over again. A review is carried out, and, in some cases, enforcement action is put in place — in others, it is not — but the problems continue. Eventually, the enforcement action runs its course, the company continues on its way, and the community continues to suffer.
That is simply not good enough. I think that we need to look very seriously at having an independent environmental agency that will protect communities, stand up to these companies and ensure that some difference is made in relation to these issues. We cannot repeat them over and over again. Just in case Members do not understand it, the impact of this in both areas is such that people have to cancel outdoor events such as children's parties. Training sessions at local sports clubs have had to be cancelled, and schools have had to keep children indoors. That is not acceptable, nor is it sustainable that it keeps happening over and over again. The agencies that are tasked with this must have the legislation and the resources to make a real difference. I am calling for a serious look at the issue, particularly in south Tyrone. It affects many Members in the Chamber in their areas. You are probably experiencing the same frustrations and difficulties that I am. Whatever happens in future, we need to ensure that communities are protected and companies are effectively regulated in order that this cannot continue to happen.
379 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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