A DONEGAL County Councillor has raised concerns over the ongoing delays in flood relief schemes across the county.
As the southeast of the country continues to struggle with flooding, worsened by persistent heavy rainfall in recent days, Cllr Noel Jordan has highlighted that several areas severely affected by flooding in Donegal are still awaiting construction – nearly a decade after initial plans were announced.
He made these comments ahead of a visit from Minister for the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, who oversees flood relief projects.
Minister Moran is scheduled to meet with councillors in the council chambers in Lifford on Friday.
The Sinn Féin councillor said he plans to raise the frustratingly slow process of the flood relief schemes that have been announced in Donegal.
Speaking to the Donegal News, he said with the increasing frequency of storms, residents are growing increasingly fearful that their properties will be flooded as they await the delivery of flood relief schemes.
“In Donegal, the schemes are taking too long to reach construction, and it’s hugely frustrating for people living in flood-prone areas,” he said.
“It’s beggar’s belief.”
“There will be huge debate on this and I am sure every councillor in the county is going to have something to say to the minister,” he added.
Cllr Jordan said he will urge the minister that flood risk mitigation funds be released so that emergency works can be carried out in the interim as they await the delivery of flood relief schemes.
He highlighted the example of Clareden Drive in Donegal Town, where no progress has been made since a series of devastating floods over a decade ago.
Cllr Jordan recalled the 2015 floods and the harrowing scenes of children’s belongings floating in floodwaters as their homes were inundated.
The area, still prone to flooding, is still waiting for the construction of the flood relief measures that were announced several years ago.
When announced it was set to cost over €8 million, he worries how much the construction costs have risen due to inflation.
“What is it going to cost today?” he asked.
He also pointed out that the flood relief team within the council is understaffed, which is contributing to the ongoing delays.
