An Irish couple says their home became uninhabitable at times because of raw sewage, cold, dampness, and mold, and they are trying to stop reconstruction work at a neighboring property after alleged damage to a shared sewer line.
Here's what to know
Seeking to halt reconstruction work at the property next door, Upper Salthill residents Lynne O'Loughlin and Alan Brogan have filed suit against Keith Cantrell and his sons, Stephen and Alan Cantrell, both of Oldfield, Knocknacarra, Galway, according to The Irish Times.
Judge Michael Quinn was told in O'Loughlin's written evidence that the family became aware of a sewer blockage when "strong and offensive odors" appeared.
She said, "The blockage caused raw sewage to back up and seep into the ground through inspection chambers," adding, "The consequences were extremely distressing and caused serious concern for our health and safety."
The couple's solicitor, Owen Swaine of Swaine Solicitors in Galway, told the court that the couple says assurances had been given that the works would stop and that proper repairs would be carried out, but those commitments were allegedly not kept.
He also said Keith Cantrell was allegedly directing activity at the adjoining property, and that when the couple tried to address the issue with him directly, they said they were met with hostility, personal remarks, and unjustified attacks on their character.
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More background
O'Loughlin also told the court that sections of a shared wall had been left exposed to the weather for two winters and that the home had repeatedly become difficult to occupy.
Her evidence said the house was at times uninhabitable because of foul odors, worries about sewage contamination, cold, dampness, and mold.
Swaine told the court that the family felt embarrassed and distressed, had been unable to invite relatives or guests into their home, and had also been dealing with persistent stress and anxiety.
What's being done?
Judge Quinn allowed the couple to serve short notice of the proceedings on all three Cantrells and adjourned the matter for further consideration until Sept. 30.
The ex parte application for injunctive relief was heard without any of the Cantrells present and without legal representation.
Where can I learn more?
These stories show how sewage and waste problems can quickly make homes harder — and sometimes unsafe — to live in. They cover toxic sludge, landfill pollution, and hazardous flood waste in several communities.
• In eastern Kentucky, a 45-minute tidal wave of toxic sludge devastated Lost Creek.
• In Washington Township, EPA investigators examined an '80s landfill problem that kept growing.
• After New South Wales floods, residents faced all sorts of bacteria in mounting waste.
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