Deel collapse?

Banks of the River Deel in danger of collapse

Emer Gallagher

COUNCILLOR Eddie Staunton has called for immediate work to be carried out on the bank of the River Deel – to avoid it collapsing.
At the meeting of the Ballina Electoral Area meeting last week, Cllr Staunton put forward the motion that ‘Mayo County Council carry out improvement works on the river bank of the Deel, Crossmolina, downstream from the Bridge, towards Abbeytown’.
“We will destroy what has already been done by the Council if work is not done immediately. It would be a serious matter if the bank collapses,” said the Fine Gael representative.
A bench was erected by the County Council and Cllr Staunton said the area was used by many people, including elderly persons.
Mayo County Council Senior Engineer Noel Burke said it was an issue for the OPW.
“It is not the responsibility of Mayo County Council. A channel survey will be taken when the water levels go down that will identify areas of the channel that need to be dredged. They will then put forward the scheme for funding. The OPW are aware of the problem and we, as a council, have no responsibility,” said Mr Burke.
“The bank will cave in if it is not taken care of,” responded Cllr Staunton.