A local politician has put a proposal to the Fine Gael parliamentary party seeking to bring forward emergency legislation to advance flood works in Claregalway, Caherlea, Carnmore and Oranmore.
Senator Fidelma Healy Eames’ action marked the first anniversary of the flooding crisis which caused widespread damage in the county.
“Yet, despite the fact that there is a plan in place and the money has been approved, no major flood alleviation measures have happened to protect homeowners and prevent a future disaster,” she says.
“I recently visited a family in the Caherlea area who have spent in excess of €100,000 to make their home livable again. This is not unusual. What is horrific, though, is that while some families have had their flood insurance renewed, they, along with another neighbouring family in the area, have not. They really are sitting ducks, completely defenceless in the face of another disaster. This was made all the more real last week when the waters rose outside their home again. Families in Moneymore, Oranmore, too have expressed their fears to me.
“Enough is enough. We have to find a means to gain time and advance the flood works so as to protect people’s homes and indeed, their mental health. Fine Gael’s legal advisor has indicated that she is keen to assist. She has sought senior counsel advice. The advice is that emergency legislation could be put in place to prevent future flooding events. This is good news.”
The Oranmore senator says as a public representative involved in the project from the outset she finds it increasingly frustrating that the project and completion of the flood works is taking so much time.
