Located in Kill, Co. Kildare, the Hillfort estate is a quiet residential development that should offer families comfort, safety, and clean air. But in recent years, residents have faced an increasingly alarming problem: an intense, unmistakable creosote odour that periodically invades their homes and outdoor spaces. The source of this odour has been traced to the ScanPole wood treatment facility, located approximately 3 kilometres east of the estate.
Creosote, a toxic substance derived from coal tar, is used by ScanPole to preserve timber products such as utility poles and railway sleepers. While this industrial use is licensed, the environmental consequences have not gone unnoticed by those living nearby. On warmer days, particularly in the evenings, residents in Hillfort report the odour becoming overwhelming. Many describe a strong, chemical, tar-like smell that infiltrates their homes even with windows and doors shut.
These recurring incidents have caused widespread concern among families in the estate. Residents worry about the long-term health implications and many residents have reported symptoms such as headaches, nausea, sore throats, and respiratory irritation. Outdoor activities like gardening or walking are often curtailed due to the strength of the fumes.
In response, numerous residents have lodged complaints with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), detailing their experiences and calling for urgent intervention. Despite these reports, a lasting solution has yet to materialize. The community remains in a state of limbo—aware of the hazard, frustrated by the inaction, and determined to hold regulatory bodies and operators accountable.
The Hillfort creosote crisis is not just an environmental issue; it is a public health concern that demands immediate attention. The residents are not asking for special treatment—only for the right to live in a safe, clean environment, free from industrial pollution. Until this is achieved, the community will continue to speak out, share their experiences, and demand meaningful change.