Climate change is leading to extreme rainfall and regular flooding, with Laois County Councillors identifying specific black-spots around the county.
Ireland’s southern coast is again being badly affected, and Laois’s local representatives feel we will meet a similar fate if measures are not taken immediately.
At the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District meeting this week, all six Cllrs used their time to address flooding.
Cllrs John King and Ollie Clooney urged Laois County Council to carry out drainage works on the road close to the GAA grounds in Ballacolla as a matter of urgency.
This road is extremely busy at all times due to traffic from the motorway, as well as its proximity to the local national school.
Mr Edmond Kenny, District Engineer confirmed that drainage works will be completed at the location this year.
Cllr Conor Bergin asked the Council to address the road flooding issues on the L-1520 road at Newtown, Skirk, Ballybrophy.
Cllr James Kelly, meanwhile, called for remedial works to be carried out at residences in Derrynaseera, Carmross to divert rainwater from adjacent road which is causing flooding.
Mr Kenny said Council staff will meet both Cllrs to examine the areas of concern.
The meeting also saw Cllr Paddy Bracken, with support from Cllr Seamus McDonald, call for the serious flooding on the N80 at Emmett Street, Mountmellick to be addressed.
Mr James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer at the Road Design Office said the Council’s Road Design Office will investigate solutions to alleviate the flooding issues along the road.
SEE ALSO – Laois citizens have their say on County Council’s Climate Action Plan
