Laois Senator raises ‘urgent concerns’ over delays to flood relief schemes

Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack has called for “urgent action” to be taken on “long-delayed” flood relief schemes in Laois.

During a Seanad statement on flooding and the wider impact of climate change, Senator McCormack highlighted the “ongoing frustration” of residents in Mountmellick and Portarlington, saying the two towns have been “severely affected” by flooding in recent years.

“We’ve known for many years now that climate change is bringing more dramatic and more frequent weather events,” Senator McCormack said.

“Storm Eowyn caused severe damage across the country and should serve as a wake-up call for the government to urgently accelerate flood defence plans.”

The Senator reminded the chamber of the “catastrophic flooding” that hit Mountmellick in 2017, when three rivers burst their banks simultaneously.

Senator McCormack said these events led to “widespread destruction and displacement” throughout the town

“People were terrified,” she said. “Homes and businesses were destroyed. The Defence Forces had to be called in.

“Some families couldn’t return to their homes for months.”

Flood relief schemes for both Mountmellick and Portarlington were recommended seven years ago, with minimal progress made in either town.

The process of implementing these relief schemes has four stages, with Mountmellick and Portarlington both still in Stage 1.

Senator McCormack highlighted the “real-life consequences” of these delays, saying residents are “at the mercy” of the Government’s timeline.

“With the way things are going, it’s no wonder their nerves are gone every time a storm is forecast,” the Laois Senator said of local residents.

“They’ve been living in fear for eight years – how much longer must they wait?”

Senator McCormack acknowledged that some delays were caused by further flooding in 2020 which required changes to design plans, but she stressed that such a lengthy timeline for just one phase of the project is unacceptable.

“In 2023, residents were shown revised plans and there was some hope – but they’ve heard nothing since, the Sinn Féin Senator said.

“There must be reassurance that the flood defences will be in place before another disaster strikes.

Senator McCormack concluded by urging Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin Moran TD, to investigate the reasons behind the delay.

She asked the Minister to “bring a new sense of urgency to delivering flood protection for Mountmellick and Portarlington.”

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