Galway City Council will soon be applying to the Office of Public Works (OPW ) for funding to provide a modern flood barrier system which will be put in place, when necessary, in attempt to prevent severe flooding in the Toft Park and Lower Salthill areas.
There were a number of cars written off after being submerged in water in the Toft Park car park during the storm weather, while several businesses were also severely affected by flood waters in Lower Salthill. The extent of the damage prompted members of the public as well as representatives to call for a more permanent sustainable solution to be found.
At this month’s meeting of Galway City Council acting director of services for transport and infrastructure, recreation and amenity, Billy Dunne, confirmed that protection measures as well as flood warning systems are being examined, and that a separate application for funding, under minor flood relief works, will be made to the OPW following cost benefit analysis. He further explained that “a flood gate system” which is “more robust” will be inserted into five gaps on the prom side of Toft Park, together with a bigger opening between a private residence and the Cultural Institute on the other side of the park to seal them off. Mr Dunne added that he expects the application to be successful.
Having continually raised the matter with council officials, Independent councillor Catherine Connolly welcomed the news. “While some homes and businesses in the area were badly affected as a result of the initial storms and flooding which occurred in January, timely precautionary measures taken by the city council during the subsequent period of flooding in early February prevented a re-occurance of the flooding.
“The modern barriers will only be inserted as appropriate at critical times allowing for ongoing pedestrian access to the park. This system has already been tried and tested in other parts of the country and has worked very well,” said Cllr Connolly who added that she will be carefully monitoring the situation at council level to ensure the system is installed as soon as possible.
