'Epidemic' of flooding and potholes in Mayo area

There is an ‘epidemic’ of flooding and potholes, a meeting of Castlebar Municipal District was told.

“There are potholes appearing everywhere,” said Cllr Michael Kilcoyne.

The meeting was told potholes as “large as craters” have cropped up.

Cllr Ger Deere said flooding has become a huge problem in the District.

“I know we have had a lot of excessive rain but we need to get money someplace nationally. It’s becoming an epidemic. Little areas out Snugboro and Islandeady where there was never bad flooding. It’s really danagerous at the moment,” said Cllr Deere.

He said the council needs to examine if blocked drains are a part of the problem.

“It’s getting out of hand. We need to have a right programme in place. It wouldn’t take an awful lot to do it in a lot of areas,” Cllr Deere added.

Cllr Gavin said he is “sick to the teeth” of the flooding issues in the area.

He said a local man’s house was recently flooded.

“It’s not good enough,” said Cllr Gavin.

He said the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has indicated that funding is available to local authorities to carry out minor flooding works. The funding will allow local authorities to carry out localised flood relief and coastal erosion protection works.

Cllr Gavin urged Mayo County Council to avail of it.

“Let’s apply for funding where there are ongoing problems and people’s houses are being flooded or it’s backing up. People are worried, especially elderly people who are living on their own,” Cllr Gavin said.

Cllr Cyril Burke said heavy rain seems to have exacerbated the pothole problem.

He said a national school in Killawalla has a pothole the size of a crater across the road from it.

“You could go for a swim in it,” said Cllr Burke.

“I’d appreciate if something could be done about that one. It’s very difficult for the residents that have to drive around it,” he added.