The fears in the Mountmellick community over further flooding was palpable at an announcement of €3.1 million funding
While the significant funding was universally welcomed, concerns were voiced by some of the locals affected by flooding on short-term and long term measures.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for the OPW Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan.
Olive Collins said she lives on Marian Grove said she had escaped flooding but her neighbour’s house was thrashed, due to flooding. “A lot of work now needs to be done and he won’t get insurance in the future,” she said.
She asked would additional barriers be provided for these houses at risk of flooding.
Tom Good who lives at Cloncannon, said they are being flooded 6-7 times a year.
On the day of the heavy flooding “we were actually trapped in our own home. On November 22 there was three feet of water and no-one could get near our house,” he said.
“I am living there 16 years and it has flooded for 16 years,” Mr Good said.
He said they are ready for work to start straight away, and if silt was removed from the flooded areas, then this would help.
A timescale was sought by Maurice Lynch. He also felt a better early warning system could be put in place.
He also questioned if the project office based in Mountmellick will have local representatives.
In response Mr Moran said proper flood defences are the best approach, and would ensure that homeowners will be able to get insurance in the future.
“A long-term plan is what’s needed. People in Galway had flood gates in, but water finds its own level. Not one scheme done by the OPW has failed. The money being allocated in Laois for Mountmellick and Portarlington will give protection for the next 100 years and beyond,” he said.
