IFA chief calls for single flood agency

A SINGLE agency should be responsible for finding solutions to flooding problems and for managing and maintaining the country’s waterways.

The call was made by Irish Farmers Association president John Bryan at a forum on flood management in Ballinasloe, Co Galway, yesterday. It followed the recent floods that caused havoc countrywide, especially in the Shannon River basin.

Mr Bryan welcomed an announcement by Minister of State Martin Mansergh, who attended the meeting, that legislation would be introduced shortly giving the Office of Public Works the role of lead agency.