ronan fagan
An Independent South Roscommon based councillor has this week called upon Government leaders to visit Lough Funshinagh and witness the emergency situation which has now arisen due to the escalating water levels.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser, Cllr Laurence Fallon noted that the situation had reached “crisis point” and implored Government leaders to visit the lough and view the flood waters which continue to detrimentally impact upon the local community in South Roscommon.
“The situation at Lough Funshinagh is now at crisis point. There are homes at high risk of flooding, farmyards and land destroyed and the rain is continuing to pour and the water levels continuing to rise.
“Water levels are now 200 millitres higher than in 2021 with no sign of the rains to stop. The community around the Lough is living in fear with elderly homeowners fearing for their houses if levels continue to rise or if pumps fail.
“If we continue on the current path to a solution, it will be too late to save homes and farms around Lough Funshinagh.
“This is an emergency and it needs emergency intervention. The three Government leaders – the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and leader of the Green Party – need to come and visit Lough Funshinagh for themselves and find an immediate solution to the devastation that is unfolding here,” Cllr Fallon said.
The Independent councillor has noted the current situation to be an “environmental disaster”.
“There is no doubt that this is also an environmental disaster. A Special Area of Conservation has been decimated and there is a growing risk of pollution extending over a wider catchment area.
“The incoming Taoiseach, Simon Harris, was just a few miles away from Lough Funshinagh last weekend when he stated that Fine Gael will be the party of the rural community. I urge him to make Lough Funshinagh his first rural community visit when he is appointed Taoiseach and witness the fear and devastation, and the horrendous conditions people are living in, for himself.
“It is time that the Government could take charge of emergency situations and introduce emergency legislation to find a solution once and for all. We simply cannot wait another year, time has run out for us,” Cllr Fallon concluded.
Council Close Local Route
Aimed at safeguarding adjacent properties from the rising flood waters, Roscommon County Council made the decision to close a local route, the L-2005 at Ballagh, towards the end of last month.
Referencing the closure at the time, the local authority stated that it was necessary to facilitate the deployment of additional temporary flood protection measures as water levels continued to escalate on Lough Funshinagh.
“Regrettably, based on current levels, Roscommon County Council has no option but to close the road and recommend that two families vacate their homes in the interest of their own personal safety.
“The duration of the road closure depends upon how long the water level in the lake remains close to or above the level of the public road. This is entirely weather dependent; however, lake levels usually peak in late March to early April so this closure is expected to last for several weeks.
“Roscommon County Council acknowledges that this road is an important link between local communities and regrets any inconvenience caused by the flooding, road closures and diversions. As the local authority, we will support the affected families in any way possible,” a spokesperson for the local authority stated.
