Louth senator urges government action on Dundalk's flood insurance issues

Louth Senator John McGahon voiced serious concerns about the ongoing flood protection gap affecting homes in flood-prone areas, particularly in Dundalk. His contribution, which directly referenced a Central Bank report, highlighted the inability of homeowners in parts of Dundalk to secure flood insurance due to the increasing risk posed by climate change and inadequate flood protection measures.

"Essentially, the flood protection gap is a problem that affects some parts of the country more than others, with 54% of the flood protection gap concentrated in just five counties. These counties include Dublin, Cork, Kildare and my own county of Louth," McGahon explained. 

He stressed that the lack of flood insurance is particularly concerning for Dundalk, where "tens of thousands of houses in the eastern part of Dundalk, along the coastline" are at risk. He cited specific areas, including Bay Estate, Lennonstown Manor, Manydown Close, and Avenue Road, where residents have been left unprotected.

This issue, McGahon stated, has been a persistent problem throughout his political career. "I am ten years in politics and this has been an issue for those ten years. The Central Bank raised very valid concerns about it," he said, noting the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. 

Last year’s flooding in north Louth, which caused significant damage, underscores the urgency of addressing this problem, he said.

The Senator called for immediate government intervention, questioning why insurance companies refuse to insure homes in these high-risk areas. "If insurance companies are not willing to insure people, which they should do, surely the Government or the Central Bank needs to consider what ways they can step in and intervene," McGahon urged.

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"None of these houses is able to get flood protection," McGahon stressed, despite substantial investment in flood barriers. He expressed frustration with the slow progress of these projects, adding, "It is simply not acceptable that insurance companies do not insure tens of thousands of houses in a town the size of Dundalk."

McGahon said that addressing this issue would remain a priority for him, regardless of his political future. "Whether I am in this House, the other House or wherever I am after the next election...this is an issue I will continue to be very concerned about and will want to continue working on."

In response, Senator Lisa Chambers supported McGahon's concerns, highlighting the distress faced by homeowners in flood-prone areas across the country. "There are other areas in the country as well - the Senator mentioned Dublin and Cork - where those homes cannot get insured," Chambers said. She echoed the need for action, acknowledging the precarious situation faced by affected homeowners, adding, "Something will have to be done because those homes are in a precarious situation every year and it is quite distressing for those homeowners."