Calls for 'serious' debate on Kilkenny flood prevention after days of 'suffering'

Local Labour Party Councillor and former Mayor of Kilkenny City, Cllr. Seán Ó hArgáin, has called for a serious and focused debate on the causes and prevention of flooding in the county over the past two weeks and the potential for more damaging floods in the week to come.

Kilkenny Live understands the city based representative will request a comprehensive report and adequate debate on the issue at the next meeting of Kilkenny County Council and has contacted party spokesperson on Climate, Environment, Energy Transport, Ciarán Ahern to ensure the issues in Kilkenny are central to the debate in Dáil Éireann.

"The huge suffering of residents in Graignamanagh, Thomastown and Inistigoe last week and indeed the impact on areas around Kilkenny City, including the ongoing issues at the Waterbarracks area and on the Bleach Road and its impact on a small number of adjacent businesses have shown the huge challenges involved," he said.

"We can no longer deny that climate change is very real and is here on our doorstep. My heart goes out to those who had to leave their homes and close their business premises after perhaps decades of work

"I also take my hat off to our county council staff and executive officers for their trojan efforts to fight against the floods as they occurred and to help those affected. Staff worked day and night and over the weekend to help our citizens out in every way," he continued.

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"I hope the promised relief funding will be delivered to those in need as quickly as possible and it was fantastic to see council and Red Cross personnel going door to door to ensure those peoples’ needs are met. As the son of a meteorologist, I also support the need for clear responsibilities and a comprehensive flood warning system. Ministers throwing Met Éireann under the bus is not good enough!," Cllr Ó hArgain asserted.

"The fact that the Government have refused to create a permanent flood relief scheme targeted at small businesses and community organisations on a statutory footing is now coming home to roost. The failure to do this means the Government must approve a new scheme for affected areas after each local flood.

"We have also called for better resourcing of local authorities to hire more general operatives to ensure there are enough staff directly employed by local councils to ensure drains, culverts and ditches are properly maintained and cleared when storms are forecast," he added.

"We also need to urgently have a real debate about a river catchment approach to flood prevention. The removal of trees from upstream areas has caused huge issues with the increased speed of flow of rivers and other nature-based solutions must be found and acted upon urgently. Of course, we must redouble our efforts in fighting climate change and protecting our rivers and water sources," Cllr Ó hArgain concluded.

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