Concerns have been raised at a high level for a south Galway village on the shores of Galway Bay, which is threatened by regular flooding, damaging homes, and with tidal waters cutting off the village from the surrounding area.
Cave, near Clarinbridge is a village of 30 homes and a population of 70 residents. Despite its size, it has experienced a 30 per cent population growth in the area since 2008, while 40 per cent of those living there are under 20.
However the area is regularly subject to flooding at high tide, with coastal surges which regularly cause damage to their homes and property. Also, villagers are sometimes cut off by the tidal waters, causing them to be late for or miss work and school, leading also to concerns about the lack of access for emergency services should the need arise.
Issue raised with Minister
The issue has been raised by Independent Galway West TD Noel Grealish, who has discussed the issue with Patrick O’Donovan, the Junior Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works.
“They are having a huge problem with coastal flooding at high tide. The sea water blocks the road and renders their homes inaccessible, both for exit and for access by emergency vehicles. He has also been in contact with the Office of Public Works, seeking a detailed study to be undertaken and a plan for the area to be developed, with a particular focus on flood protection works.
'Local council and national remedy strategies are not in place to protect communities like ours'
“This is affecting the safety of the homes and the people who live in them, and is also preventing children from going to and from school and adults from going to work," said Dep Grealish.
'A serious concern'
Colm Byrne, chair of the Cave Community Village Association, stressed that the safety of the 70 residents and their property is now "a serious concern".
“Coastal surges affect many communities in the country," he said, "however, it is clear that local council and national remedy strategies are not in place to protect communities like ours."
Mr Byrne said the CCVA hoped local communities could avail of assistance such as interim barriers, assessment, and longer term infrastructure route alterations.
