Fianna Fáil Deputy for Roscommon-Galway, Eugene Murphy, has hit out at the CFRAM studies undertaken in Roscommon Town and Athleague as being completely out of touch with the views and knowledge of local people.
Deputy Murphy says investigators have failed to tap into the considerable local knowledge which exists in the affected area. He added that he does not believe the millions of euro being put into works for the area will solve the problem of flooding, and that the money could be better spent by taking the views of the local population on board.
“The study does not appear to address the issues around the bridge in Athleague and locals will tell you that if bigger culverts and remedial works are addressed it would practically alleviate the danger of flooding which caused so much worry and disruption in Athleague in recent years. The by-pass at Tubbervaddy also needed to be opened to provide flood relief,” said Deputy Murphy.
The Fianna Fáil Deputy said that issues surrounding the River Jiggy at the railway bridge in Roscommon Town need to be addressed. He highlighted the fact that the sewer pipes which cross the river are encased in concrete causing an obstruction. This would need to be reconfigured while the river would also need to be widened, he said.
“When water rises to a certain level it has to rise another 375mm before there is an increase in the flow causing a back flow,” the Deputy said. “It is also vital that the culvert under the railway line is restored to its original dimensions.”
