By Seán McCarroll
A FALCARRAGH councillor has spoken out against the removal of funding for houses built on floodplains.
In a harsh warning this week, Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran, said houses built on floodplains in the future are to be afforded absolutely no government protection.
Cllr Michael McClafferty has spoken out against the decision describing it as unfair treatment.
“You’re now saying floodplains won’t be looked after? What will be protected in Donegal if anything?
“It’s been years since the 2017 floods, and some people are still displaced with no resolution in sight. Insurance companies are abandoning them,” he said.
“It’s unfair for the government to blame homeowners or families whose houses were built on floodplains.
“The government allowed this through unworkable development plans and national policy rules via County Councils,” the independent councillor said.
“Meanwhile, prime flood-free sites along the N56 and other national roads can’t be developed due to national planning policies.
“This is madness – we’re tied up in red tape, driving young people out of the country.”
