Concerns mount in Crossmolina over winter flood threat

Concerns are mounting in Crossmolina that recent high water levels in the River Deel could be the harbinger for a flooding event in the coming weeks.

Local councillor an cathaoirleach of Mayo Co Council, Michael Loftus, said he is worried and frustrated about recent data from the Office of Public Works (OPW), which points to unusually high water levels for this time of year.

“What we are being informed by the OPW who are working on the ground is that Crossmolina could potentially be flooded this year,” he said. “There’s nothing that can be done at this stage and that’s the problem and why it is so frustrating.”

The north Mayo town has been waiting for a flood relief scheme since heavy flooding in December 2015 when water levels reached over three metres. That significant flooding event led to a lot of the town centre being underwater and 127 houses and premises impacted.

The Crossmolina flood relief scheme was sent to Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe in July for approval but it was delayed after the OPW sought further information on environmental surveys.

Cllr Loftus accused department officials of sitting on the project for so long that updated environmental assessments were needed.

Last Wednesday, water levels in the River Deel at nearby Keenagh were just below two and a half metres, although they had fallen below one metre on Friday.

Cllr Loftus stressed there are fears for potential flooding this year because of the amount of water that has fallen over the summer.

“The land is very wet, and Lough Conn can only take so much and that is what we would be worried about,” he added.

The Fianna Fáil councillor said it is too late to do anything about the flood relief scheme this year, but it needs to be approved so that construction can commence next year. The construction phase is expected to take three years.

Cllr Loftus said Crossmolina has been lucky to avoid major flooding for the last number of years and credited the OPW with saving the town in the short-term through remedial works. However, he believes “this protection is not going to last” and he warned local residents and businesses to prepare for the worst.

“People need to be prepared for it and I don’t want someone coming back when the place floods and saying that I (Cllr Loftus) haven’t done anything about it. I’ve been shouting about it with everybody.”

The councillor said approval for the long-delayed scheme is urgently needed and expressed disapointment that he has not yet got a chance to meet the chairperson of the OPW Maurice Buckley.

“I’m extremely disappointed this scheme has not happened and it’s not right for our community and businesses who are going to suffer the most. The TDs are saying it is going to be done but the community are the ones who will suffer, not these individuals.”