The announcement of new Flood Relief Schemes by the Office of Public Works has been criticised for its omission of Ballybofey and Stranorlar.
A major scheme in Lifford has been included in the initial Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme plans for new Flood Relief Schemes, adding to the existing 75 schemes already complete and underway nationally.
Carrowkeel, Downies and Glenties schemes costing less than €1M have also been added to the expedited list for Co. Donegal.
While Ballybofey and Stranorlar have already been granted funding, local councillors say that more is needed to safeguard the towns.
Cllr Patrick McGowan said that one business alone lost over €1million following flooding when the banks of the River Finn were breached. He said there was a threat to life and the towns cannot be left with a ‘wait and see’ attitude.
Cllr Gary Doherty welcomed the CFRAM report and allocation of €7.5 million for Lifford and Castlefinn. He noted that it stands out that Ballybofey and Stranorlar were not included in this latest tranche of funding.
“If those businesses are flooded again, it could be the end of the businesses and the end of the town, because those businesses are huge employers,” said Cllr Doherty.
He added that there are homeowners in huge negative equity because their homes are rendered worthless due to continuous flooding.
Councillors adopted the CFRAM report at this week’s July meeting. However, calls were made for a more detailed review of timeframes for the programme.
Flood relief schemes granted for Donegal in the coming decade are: Ballybofey/Stranorlar, Buncrana & Luddan, Carndonagh, Carrowkeel, Castlefinn, Donegal, Downies, Dunfanaghy, Glenties, Killybegs, Letterkenny, Lifford, Ramelton, and Rathmullan.
