‘Overflow pipe remains the only solution’
Cllr. Laurence Fallon has said he would welcome a meeting of key stakeholders to explore the ongoing threat of flooding at Lough Funshinagh but warns that the only solution to the worsening situation is the introduction of an overflow pipe to the turlough.
The Roscommon County Council Cathaoirleach was reacting to confirmation that Minister for the Office of Public Works, Patrick Donovan, is set to bring key players together to discuss possible solutions.
“The flooding is currently seven inches off its peak of last April and will definitely exceed the levels of last year,” Cllr. Fallon said.
“At the moment, there is severe pressure on one house and one farmyard is already flooded while two more are under pressure.
“This is an escalating problem year on year and it’s one that keeps getting bigger. I’m like a broken record at this stage, but the only solution in order to save the local habitat and save seven homes and farmland, is to introduce an overflow pipe. It’s there in black and white,” Cllr. Fallon said.
The Independent councillor said that due to the height of surrounding lands, the turlough is unable to drain itself and unless something is done soon it will cost millions of euro to relocate residents.
“The sooner an overflow pipe goes in there the better because if it doesn’t the entire ecology of the area will be affected and it will then be an issue for the EU.
“The use of the Home Relocation Scheme is something that I would accept if at some point we knew the lake could go no higher, but there’s no end to it.
“Why continue to take fire brigade actions when for €1.5 million you can save homes, farms, and what’s left of the local wildlife?
“It’s all well and good people saying ‘save the lake’ but if someone came down (to investigate the ecological impact), I wouldn’t be so sure that it meets NHA (National Heritage Area) and SAC (Special Areas of Conversation) criteria. There is nothing living there but fish.
“I always welcome a gathering of minds but if they are closed to the only solution, then it’s a waste of time,” he concluded.
