Louth TD presses for progress on drainage and wastewater schemes

Recent flooding in North Louth and the infrastructure needed to mitigate similar events in future was raised in the final week of the Dáil before Christmas by Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú.

The Dundalk deputy was speaking during a debate on the Appropriation Bill which dealt with capital expenditure by the government and highlighted a number of ongoing projects in Louth.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: “It goes without saying that we need to ensure there is funding for the Narrow Water Bridge A5 project, which is needed not only for infrastructural connectivity but also from a safety point of view. We must make sure the State steps up to the mark.

“Not for the first time, I raise the huge issues with drainage schemes and wastewater schemes, particularly in Dundalk.

“We now have a drainage plan or, at least, plans for a drainage plan. We have seen the issues with flooding in Dundalk in the past while.

“We know there are flooding issues in north County Louth. Last night, (December 11) there was flooding in Glenmore, Tullagh and Omeath. The OPW and Louth County Council must ensure all mitigations and assessments are done as quickly as possible. Antóin Watters would not forgive me if I did not bring that up.

He also brought attention to two major road projects that are stalled at the moment. He said: “The N2 project between Castleblayney, Carrickmacross and Ardee is moribund at this stage because insufficient moneys have been released.

“That needs to be addressed. In the case of the N53 Dundalk to Castleblayney project, the CPOs are live but the council is waiting for approval from TII.

“Funding needs to be approved by TII to ensure work is started as soon as possible. It is an absolute necessity”.