Featured image: The aftermath of Storm Lorenzo flooding in Donegal Town, October 2019
Donegal County Council has been asked to keep pressure on the OPW to gain funding for flood relief schemes in south Donegal.
Cllr Noel Jordan says there should be extra urgency added to the application for funding for the south Donegal area, particularly Donegal Town.
Cllr Jordan told the council today that there was a lot of disappointment in 2019 when the OPW allocated funding towards projects mostly in the northern part of Donegal, when schemes in Donegal Town, Killybegs and Rossnowlagh were awaiting support.
“Last year was the only year in the last six years where there hasn’t been a flooding incident in Donegal Town,” Cllr Jordan said.
He cited a CFRAM report that identified Donegal Town as a unique area which is susceptible to flooding of all types, and that ‘the worst is yet to come’ for the town, where 75 properties are at flood risk.
Each winter, Cllr Jordan said that local residents and business owners are fearful of more flooding after the devastation of three major events since 2015 during Storm Abigail, Storm Lorenzo and Storm Desmond. New Row and Claredon Drive have been hit by substantial flooding over the years.
“It’s a scene I don’t want to go back to, going into homes and seeing toys floating about the floor,” Cllr Jordan said.
“The insurance will only cover one of these incidents, so people had to start rebuilding their houses and rebuilding their lives.”
Cllr Jordan said the flood relief works cannot be done in parts, and the schemes should be highlighted to the OPW as a matter of urgency.
Donegal County Council has agreed to write to the Minister of State for the Office of Public Works accordingly.
