OPW and councillors disagree over flooding solutions

OPW and councillors disagree over Neale flooding solutions


Austin Garvin

DIVERSE views were expressed between councillors and Mr John Murphy, representing the Office of Public Works (OPW) at last week’s meeting of the Claremorris Electoral Area Committee
Mr Murphy addressed the meeting concerning the flooding that occurred in the South Mayo area since 2006, and in a detailed submission outlined the procedures open to address the problem. Afterwards a protracted discussion ensued between the councillors and Mr Murphy.
Mr Murphy said the problem in the Neale stemmed from the fact that the area affected wasn’t connected to a river. After outlining the complicated nature of the situation, he said the only solution to the problem is raising the affected roads.
He said there were issues involving the National Parks and Wildlife Service in the Hollymount and Roundfort areas. He agreed that it was possible to carry out some restricted work in the Hollymount area notwithstanding the problems in situ.
Cllr Damien Ryan disagreed vehemently with Mr Murphy concerning the flooding in the Neale area.
He said drainage is the only solution to the problem, pointing out the serious cost of raising the road. He asked if it was possible to revisit it again, and suggested that a cost benefit analysis be carried out.
Cllr Michael Burke endorsed the views expressed by Cllr Ryan and said being out of your house for three weeks is simply not good enough.
He pointed out the difficulties encountered by farmers close to Flanagan Park in Ballinrobe where they were denied access to their property for lengthy periods.
Cllr Richard Finn, referred to the EU directives and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and said people shouldn’t be denied access to their lands under any circumstances.
He suggested what was needed was a Ministerial Directive regarding the matter.
Cllr Patsy O’Brien said raising a road is never successful. He said it was unnecessary that farms are flooded. He said that answers were needed as quickly as possible regarding the completion of a satisfactory solution to the matter.