Councillor warns Louth infrastructure cant cope with flooding

Dundalk South's Cllr Robert Nash, has expressed deep concern following the severe impact of Storm Chandra, which struck Louth this week and caused extensive flooding across several residential areas, saying that it "has shown us, yet again, that our infrastructure is not keeping pace with the challenges we face".

Communities in Bay Estate, Cluan Enda, Red Barns Road, Greenwood Drive, Blackwater Court, and Ashbrook, to name a few in Dundalk, experienced significant disruption as floodwaters rose rapidly, overwhelming local drainage systems and leaving many homes damaged.

Cllr Nash noted that Bay Estate, where he himself resides, was among the worst affected. “Residents were effectively trapped in their own homes as roads had to be officially closed due to dangerous, impassable conditions,” he said. "Vehicles attempting to drive through the floodwater only pushed water further into already affected houses, worsening the damage and distress for families.”

He highlighted that while storm pumps have provided relief in previous weather events, they were of no benefit during Storm Chandra. “The extremely high-water levels in the Blackwater River, combined with capacity issues in the combined sewer network, meant the pumps simply couldn’t function in these conditions,” Cllr Nash explained.

The Fine Gael councillor also raised serious concerns about the Point Road Pumping Station, stating that the current situation suggests the system is struggling to cope. “Personally, I believe that the Point Road pumping station is apprehensive about taking in large quantities of floodwater,” he said.

Read also: Flood relief scheme open to Louth businesses and community groups

“When water levels exceed the designed containment capacity of the station, a phenomenon known as overtopping can occur. This can lead to sewage overflow, extensive flooding in surrounding areas, and severe damage to already under-pressure infrastructure. It is clear from the evidence of this flood that overtopping is occurring, and we need to address why this is happening as this must be urgently addressed.”

He emphasised that the flooding once again highlights long-standing capacity issues at the Coes Road and Point Road wastewater treatment plants. Currently, the Dundalk Wastewater Treatment Plant has a design capacity of 71,000 population equivalent,” he said.

“Uisce Éireann is planning to upgrade and increase this to approximately 120,000 PE, which is essential to support continued growth in the Dundalk and Blackrock areas. These upgrades are welcome, but they cannot come quick enough.”

Cllr Nash also pointed to the Dundalk Flood Relief Scheme, one of the largest in the country and expected to cost in the region of €150 million, as a vital long-term solution. “This scheme will be of huge assistance to the people who have been affected,” he said. “It represents a major investment in protecting homes, businesses, and communities.”

Cllr Nash added that recent development decisions have also contributed to the severity of the flooding. “On another note, I feel that recent new developments on Red Barns Road have added to this problem,” he said.

“Many residents raised concerns at planning stage and made submissions to Louth County Council, who initially refused permission due to flood issues. However, An Bord Pleanála overturned this decision, and now the homes to the rear of this development have suffered extreme damage from additional flooding.”

He stressed the importance of respecting local knowledge. “Residents with decades of lived experience understand the flood patterns in their areas,” Cllr Nash said. “Their voices must be listened to at planning stages, because ultimately it is their homes that are being damaged.”

He extended his gratitude to those who responded during the crisis. “I want to sincerely thank Louth County Council staff, emergency services, and all frontline responders who worked tirelessly throughout Storm Chandra,” Cllr Nash said. “Their efforts support vulnerable residents, and manage an extremely challenging situation.”

Cllr Nash called for accelerated action, including interim protective measures, improved emergency response planning, and a renewed focus on climate resilience across the county.

“Storm Chandra has shown us, yet again, that our infrastructure is not keeping pace with the challenges we face,” he said.
“Residents deserve better protection, faster progress, and a clear commitment that this level of flooding will not be allowed to happen again.”

Cllr Nash added that hecontinues to liaise with Louth County Council, Uisce Éireann, and emergency services to ensure that affected households receive support and that long-term solutions.