'People are fearful' - Kilkenny community on tender hooks over possible flooding

A local councillor has expressed serious concern and frustration at the ongoing delays in progressing the long-promised Freshford Flood Relief Scheme.

Fianna Fáil's Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick has argued residents are 'once again being left exposed to flooding' despite promises to implement flood preventative measures at government level.

"Again this week, people living in the Freshford area, together with staff from Kilkenny County Council and the emergency services, had to work to prevent flooding in the village," he said.

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"This has become a recurring and unacceptable situation for the community.

"It is simply not good enough," Cllr Fitzpatrick said, adding, "this situation cannot continue. Local people are living with constant worry and fear for their homes and property every time there is heavy rainfall.

The North Kilkenny councillor also pointed out that Government Ministers visited the area a number of years ago and gave firm commitments that the flooding issues in Freshford would be resolved, with assurances that funding would not be an obstacle.

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"Ministers stood in the area and promised that this would be sorted and that funding would not be the issue. So the obvious question now is what has taken so long The people of Freshford deserve answers," he continued.

The former Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council is now calling for immediate clarity on the status of the Freshford Flood Relief Scheme and a definitive timeline for when works will begin.

"People are fearful for their property and their safety. It is time for action, not more delays," concluded Cllr Fitzpatrick.