By Chris Ashmore
FEARS have been expressed by a local councillor that there could be a repeat of the flooding in the past at the Aura Leisure Centre and at O’Donnell Park GAA grounds in Letterkenny.
Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly believes that there is a need for more people to work together on finding solutions regarding flooding issues.
Commenting on a Flood Relief Schemes update that was presented to councillors at a special meting of Donegal County Council yesterday, he noted that the River Swilly runs by his farm, and it needs to be dredged every year but this is currently not being done by the Office of Public Works.
He claimed that because the sludge gates are being blocked in places like near O’Donnell Park, there is a lot of wet ground, and people are not able to train.
Describing the situation as “alarming going forwards” he recalled the issue with sludge gates previously and how the Aura Leisure Centre was flooded.
While this was rectified, he maintained that if the River Swilly is not dredged, flooding could happen again.
“Sludge gates will not be fit for purpose, and that is the fear I have,” he declared.
Cllr Kelly pointed out the role that farmers – including himself – can play when it comes to cleaning drains and ditches.
Aware of EU legislation and requirements, he felt that nowadays it has nearly gone to the extent that the powers that be do not want you doing this work.
He added: “I think it is vitally important that we have a meeting with our own (Council flood relief) team and the OPW and inland fisheries to have a very detailed in depth discussion.
