Flood relief works proposed for several locations in Mayo

Flood prevention schemes are being carried out in a number of locations in West Mayo, members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District were told at their meeting last week. 

Tom McDonnell, Climate Action Regional Coordinator with Mayo County Council, said the council is collaborating with the Office of Public Works (OPW) on several projects, including a flood relief scheme at Cois Abhainn on Altamount Street in Westport where over 30 houses were at risk. The OPW was also conducting a review to see if there is a scheme available for houses at risk of flooding in Louisburgh.

Mr McDonnell added that Westport town had been deemed viable for flood relief works and the council was awaiting funding for a study of the Carrowbeg River from the Ballinrobe Road to Hotel Westport. The river runs right through the centre of the town.

Mr McDonnell said the council's environment section receives an average of 20 planning referrals per month where recommendations are sought on flood risks in the area. Staff are also involved with the OPW in looking at the coastline in relation to issues such as erosion, coastal flooding and river and channel maintenance. 

Works of this kind were in place along the Carrowniskey River in Louisburgh and also at Roonagh Lough, which over the last number of years has included improvement works on the outlet and a saltwater lagoon at the base of the river there so that floodwaters can get out and saltwater get in. Overall, they were looking at the whole catchment area and planned to push towards a public engagement process to include farmers and any property owners and locals affected in terms of protecting the environment and improving water quality.

He said a similar study would take place along the Bunowen River as well as the Mayour River and pointed out to members that compliance with environmental and habitats directives was necessary. There are also a lot of Special Areas of Conservation in the municipal distrct that must be maintained while regulations under the Wildlife Act must also be obeyed.

Cllr Chris Maxwell said the Carrowniskey River was causing serious flood problems in Louisburgh, with houses and sheds under threat. He wanted to see the removal of trees that are overhanging the river.

Cllr Brendan Mulroy welcomed the work planned for the Carrowbeg River, saying: “I hope the situation for people on the Mall who could not get insurance will be taken care of."

He said the Special Area of Conservation at The Point at Westport Quay was going to create a problem for the planned marina there. “We don’t think there is anything out there at the moment, not even the jellyfish come in there, so I wonder if the SAC designation could be taken off to make way for the marina.” Mr McDonnell said this was unlikely as it was an EU designation and would therefore have to be referred to Europe for approval.