'We cannot wait' - Calls for 'essential' flood relief measures for Louth
Fianna Fáil TD for Louth Erin McGreehan called on the OPW and the Government to use the over €150 million in funding for flood relief works in Louth
Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan has called on the Government to "press the need" for flood defence measures for County Louth.
Deputy McGreehan met with Minister of State with the responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin 'Boxer' Moran to discuss the concerns raised by residents along the coastline in Louth.
She called on the Government to "use the significant investment committed to flood relief" to deliver interim and short-term measures.
"These short-term interventions are essential to mitigate flood damage and provide protection for households and businesses while longer term solutions are being developed," she said.
The Fianna Fáil TD said preparation needs to begin now for the winter season.
"We cannot wait to react again next January. Interim measures must begin early in the year to allow time for works to be completed before weather conditions become more unpredictable."
“I will be working with the local authorities in the coming months to support their engagement with the Department and the Minister, so that they can get the resources needed to deliver these interim measures," she said.
It had been previously confirmed by the Minister that €154.1 million has been committed to flood relief works in County Louth, with projects in Ardee, Drogheda and Carlingford progressing at various stages.
Deputy McGreehan welcomed this investment but said the focus must now also turn to interim measures.
“Significant funding has been committed to reduce the impact of flooding and coastal erosion, but these works are at different stages of development.
In the long term, these projects will help protect the coastline, but there is an immediate need for interim measures that can be delivered in the coming months ahead of autumn.
What communities need now are measures that bridge the gap between immediate risk and the completion of long-term solutions,” she said.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.