Anger in river regions as some remain out of homes

ANGER is mounting among the hundreds of people who this time last year had to flee their homes in Galway, Offaly, Westmeath and Roscommon as the Shannon and other smaller rivers burst their banks and flooded thousands of acres.

A year on — and with flood waters rising earlier this winter in the Shannon basin — the general feeling is nothing tangible has been done to prevent the devastation and heartbreak caused in the lead up to Christmas 12 months ago.

Remarkably, some people in Co Galway have still not be able to go back into their homes, while others who returned have kept their bags packed to make a hasty exit this time.

Hopes that flood works on the Dunkellin River in east and south Co Galway — the source of major flooding last year in a low-lying area of the county — could be fast-tracked have been scuppered after it emerged the area will first have to be surveyed for an environment impact statement.

The news of the delay is due to be delivered to Monday’s meeting of Galway County Council. The “summer 2011” start date voiced by the Office of Public Works when the €3.85 million funding package was announced, looks set to be put back.

“God knows how long this process is going to take,” said Fine Gael councillor Bridie Willers. “It could be 18 months or two years before we see any action.

“What good is that? We’ll be in the same situation as we were this year, waiting for something to be done.”

But one group of Galway people who have taken matters into their own hands is The Flood Alleviation Ballinasloe Community Project, who have funded their own study into the waterways.

The study was launched by the group last night, but work on the waterways and flood defences has already begun, with defensive walls being constructed and river gates being installed.

And according to Pat Harte, who is a member of the project’s board, it was the open mind of the group that made quick progress possible.

“We set out with the intention of not to point the finger of blame at anyone for what happened here,” said Mr Harte.

“We raised €50,000 and it came from the pockets of people from the area.”

But it is not all good news, as several Ballinasloe residents are beginning to see the fall-out from the flooding.

“Many people have seen their insurance policies treble; some have not received any quotes at all; but most people will not be offered water damage cover.