Flooding ‘disaster waiting to happen’, says councillor

Flooding ‘disaster waiting to happen’, says councillor

14 August 2019

ULSTER Unionist councillor Alan Lewis has warned that flooding on a road near Clough is a “disaster waiting to happen”.

The Slieve Croob representative has written to Rivers Agency and DFI Transport requesting a full and thorough investigation into flooding on the Claragh Road.

Cllr Lewis said heavy flooding last year led to a family home being badly affected and he wants investigations carried out to establish the cause of increased flooding.

He also wants the Rivers Agency and the DFI to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to prevent heavy flooding recurring on an annual basis.

He said: “Last year this entire area was flooded, severely impacting local residents, and one couple had to relocate to allow repairs to take place to their home.”

“I am asking DFI to inspect all drainage along the length of the road to ensure that storm water and overflow drains aren’t adding to the problem. We must ensure that all drains and soak always are inspected.”

Cllr Lewis said he believed that the Rivers Agency were ultimately responsible for the problem.

“With the help of locals I have identified that road gullies discharge into a drainage ditch in a nearby field which passes through more than one culvert,” he remarked.

“I have inspected the water course in the field and note that one culvert appears to be substantially blocked.

“I am requesting that officials give this issue urgent attention. We are approaching the autumn months. Heavy rainfall is expected and we cannot have a repeat of last year.

“This area is populated with elderly residents and small pensioner bungalows. Every effort must be taken to insure there is not a repeat of last year’s problems.”

He added: “In this case the farmer has previously carried out maintenance of his land to try and alleviate flooding. I appreciate that many farmers across the district have ongoing problems which related to DFI drains discharging on to their land.

“I am asking for co-operation between these two agencies in first identifying the issues and secondly to provide a suitable resolution.”