Minister warns of worst floods in 25 years

The worst floods for 25 years could hit coastal towns this weekend, it was claimed today.

Urging a high state of alert, Minister for Environment Dick Roche warned local authorities to clear all drains and have sandbags ready for local homes and businesses.

The Army, the Coast Guard and Civil Defence are also on standby alert.

Mr Roche said: “Exceptionally high tides are expected to occur this weekend. However, we have no particular cause for worry unless we get storms and sea surges at the same time, and so far the weather forecasts remain favourable.”

Coastal local authorities have also been asked to ensure that all drains in low-lying areas are inspected and cleared and to have supplies of sand bags on site and available for collection by home and business owners who are not in a position to provide these themselves.

Mr Roche advised people to follow guidelines on the www.flooding.ie website run by the Office of Public Works, the state’s lead agency on flooding.

If weather conditions do deteriorate householders should also consider moving valuables, electrical equipment and furniture upstairs.

Householders should keep drains around their own homes cleared. Communities should also ensure that vulnerable persons living near them are assisted and prepared in the event of a flooding incident.

The Labour Party called for extra vigilance in Dublin areas previously flooded like Ringsend and Drumcondra in 2002, the East Wall and North Strand in 2001.

“Therefore it is essential that the local authority, Dublin City Council, immediately begins the procedure of clearing all drains, gullies and shores so that surface water cannot pool and aggravate the situation,” front bench spokesman Joe Costello said.

Labour also called for a co-ordinated plan for any emergency flooding and to determine whether proposed new structures such as boardwalks on the rivers and canals are appropriate or whether they could add to the problem.