By Dan Walsh at IFA Centre, Enniscorthy
A speaker at a public meeting held in the IFA Centre on Saturday evening expressed concern about the absence of councillors – “It is disgraceful that councillors are not here” – as flood victims, local residents, and business owners advocated for an expedited agreement on a flood relief plan for Enniscorthy, along with the immediate implementation of interim flood mitigation measures.
Around 50 people attended the meeting to seek urgent solutions after recent flooding along Island Road, the quays, and The Promenade caused major damage and financial loss for residents and businesses unable to obtain insurance due to ongoing issues.
Helen Lyons said all deputies and councillors were invited, but only Senator Cathal Byrne, who is a member of the Oireachtas Infrastructure Committee, and Cllr Jackser Owens (Independent) attended. Cllr Owens will raise the issue at Monday’s Wexford County Council meeting to call for immediate action.
Cllr Owens was critical of the absence of his fellow public representatives and drew a round of applause when he quipped; “There are more cups of tea than politicians here tonight!”
The meeting had active audience participation with many suggestions, but residents at risk of flooding feel ignored by absent politicians and authorities, despite public consultations.
There were calls for a new flood defence measures to be in place; a call for flood defences to be omitted from planning in the interest of public safety and security; change the planning system where flood relief is a priority; that the government would indemnify property against flood damage; and there was a suggestion that Island Road houses be demolished – give people new homes somewhere else – and turn the area into a carpark!
The home of Susan Byrne’s mother, Betty, on Island Road was one of those flooded. She posed an interesting question; “I would like to know when they are going to start, because Island Road is Phase 3 and Phase 1 hasn’t even started, hasn’t even gone for planning and, like, how long more is it going to take.”
Enniscorthy-born architect Kevin Tyrrell then joined the top table providing statistics and an outline of where the issue is at present.
He pointed out that Phase 1 is ‘Bridgeworks’ and this phase will include the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, and the construction of the new pedestrian bridge in the town centre. He said there are no plans for barriers or dredging of the water channels etc.
Phase 2 is ‘The Flood Relief’ Works’ and this phase of the scheme will include the construction of the remaining flood relief measures for Enniscorthy town and this includes an update on ecological and project baseline data and preparation of planning documents and submission for planning approval. THERE IS NO MENTION OF ISLAND ROAD so far!
The matter will be raised at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council and the Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting on Tuesday week.
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