Warning over flood threat to Dublin

Failure to protect Dublin against storm damage could lead to a major flooding disaster in the city, a councillor claimed today.

Leader of the Labour Party at Dublin City Council Kevin Humphreys said €100m was needed to protect the most vulnerable areas of the city, and the council was stretched on resources.

Mr Humphreys called on the City Manager to outline the steps which have been taken to protect businesses and homes from potential storm damage.

“The most vulnerable sites in our city have been identified in the Barry Report and Coastal Flooding Study.

“It is imperative that Minister Roche ensure that additional funding is made available to local authorities to provide the maximum degree of protection possible from storm damage.

“In my constituency, for example, the Dodder has been identified in the Barry and Coastal Flooding Report as far back as 2002 to be at risk of flooding.

“Yet very little works have been completed despite promises by the city council,” he said.

Mr Humphreys claimed the only comprehensive flood protection work had been on the Tolka River, in the area Bertie Ahern represented.

He said the council was stretched to breaking point in terms of finances and resources and called on Minister for the Environment Dick Roche to make it clear that cost would not be an issue when it came to protecting life and property.

“We have been given adequate warning. There is no excuse for failing to act,” he said.