Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, the Minister with Special Responsibility for the OPW and Flood Relief, has promised to revisit parts of Donegal which suffered major flood damage in August 2017.
The Minister is due to visit the county with his officials in a fresh bid to progress works for dedicated flood relief and mitigation measures throughout Inishowen and other affected areas.
Minister Moran made the commitment this morning during discussions with Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty at an Oireachtas Finance Committee meeting.
Deputy Doherty highlighted the mixed progress made on flood and coastal erosion schemes which were promised for a number of communities.
Solutions are being sought for regular flood-affected areas including Finn Valley basin, Downings, Glenties, Kerrykeel and Burnfoot, while the Minister had also committed to progress efforts aimed at tackling coastal erosion at sites throughout West Donegal including at Maghery, Magheraroarty, Carrickfinn and Portnoo.
The Minister is due to review the mixed pace of progress on these relief schemes during his visit.
Sinn Féin Deputy Pearse Doherty said there has been increased concern locally following recent heavy rainfall.
Deputy Doherty said: “This week, owing to recent heavy rains and localised flooding in parts of the county, I’ve been contacted by countless local residents, businesses and community groups in areas such as the Finn Valley who are justifiably concerned at the lack of progress made so far to actually develop these schemes.
“They are fearful for their properties and understandably do not want a repeat of floods which have devastated their communities following a number of notable flood events in recent years.”
Doherty said he was delighted with the response to his invite to the Minister’s willingness to take action on works.
Deputy Doherty added: “I of course very much welcome the commitment the Minister has given at this morning’s session, and I am sure that communities in Donegal will also take some solace from this news.
“In the interim, I will continue to work closely with all the communities involved in the hope that everything which can be done to highlight their needs and lobby on their behalf is done to have these vital projects expedited and delivered.”
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