Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice says it’s unacceptable for Coillte to say that there is no link between the work the semi-state has carried out on Sliabh Bán and heavy localised flooding in the surrounding areas last week.
Michael Fitzmaurice TD has been in contact with Roscommon County Council this week who are investigating the matter. In a statement released a short time ago he said “The flooding which occurred during very heavy rainfall last Wednesday afternoon/evening has not occurred before in living memory. Several houses were flooded and a woman in her 80’s had to be evacuated from her home. It’s unacceptable for Coillte to wash their hands of this and simply say there is no link with-out investigating the matter in full.”
Deputy Fitzmaurice visited the site on Sunday and believes there may well be a link between works carried out on the mountain and the flash flooding which destroyed roads in the locality as well as damaging houses. He wants the local authority and Coillte to work together to ensure measures are in place to ensure such flooding doesn’t occur again.
Cease work
The Roscommon/Galway TD has called for Coillte to cease all works until such a time as a solution to this flooding can be put in place.
“Homes, farms and roads were damaged during the flooding. Yes, there was unprecedented rainfall, but there has been substantial rainfall in the past and there will be in the future. A plan needs to be put in place an implemented to ensure this doesn’t happen in the future.”
Michael Fitzmaurice TD has been in contact with the CEO of Coillte this week in relation to the matter and is hopeful that the matter can be progressed.