Mayo Fine Gael TD Michelle Mulherin is calling on Mayo County Council to review its early warning and emergency response plan for Crossmolina following severe flooding in the town at the weekend when the River Deel burst its banks. Deputy Mulherin met locals whose business premises and homes were flooded at the scene in Crossmolina.
Deputy Mulherin stated: "Firstly, I would like to compliment the fantastic community spirit of support and cooperation in the face of adversity which made short work of the clean up job. Also the great work of Mayo County Council outdoor staff and fire fighters was crucial in clearing the streets of flood water and helping property owners keep flood damage to a minimum. They are a credit to their community and the council.
“However it would seem to me having spoken extensively with residents and business owners in Crossmolina that there are lessons to be learned to improve the early warning of flood risk and early response to the flooding when it happens so as to limit flood damage. It is important to note that plans are advanced in the design of a flood relief scheme for Crossmolina by the OPW and are expected to be published in the first half of next year. This will provide much needed flood defences for the town in the medium term."
The Ballina based TD continued: “In the meantime, I have contacted Mayo County Council which deals with emergency planning for the county to address concerns raised. I am calling on the council to review the adequacy and efficacy of its Emergency Response Plan in the case of flooding of Crossmolina and other towns at risk, and to develop an early warning system to include pre-emptive preparations. I have also contacted the OPW to see what short term flood mitigation works could be undertaken to alleviate the threat.”
