Councils told to file flash-flood reports

Local authorities across the country must file reports to government on their emergency response to the recent flash floods, it emerged today.

Environment Minister John Gormley said he also wants a breakdown of what damage people suffered when heavy downpours burst river banks and blocked drains.

As the clean-up operation continued nationwide, the impact of the weekend’s torrential rain was still being felt in Sligo where clean water was being delivered to households after flooding damaged reservoirs.

Residents in parts of Co Meath were also warned to boil water before use.

The minister said although climate change will bring more flooding, he vowed that cuts in government spending would not impact on the building of defences around the country.

He stressed new guidelines due to be published would also block building in areas that are prone to flooding.

“I’ve asked all of the local authorities to submit reports to my department which will also be made available to the OPW (Office of pubic Works) so we can access how quickly the emergency services responded to the crisis,” said Mr Gormley.

“We also have to look at what sort of damage was done to people’s property. It is only then that we can make an assessment. Then a proposal will have to go to Cabinet.”

Mr Gormley admitted flood defences in Carlow, which was worst hit by the weekend downpours, were probably 100 years too late.

Five feet of water that had submerged parts of the town have finally receded with water pumped back in to the River Barrow.

Joe Watters, of Carlow Town Council, said emergency workers would be ready to respond to any future flash floods.

More than 100 people evacuated from an apartment block have returned to their homes.

“We didn’t expect anything like the cloudburst we got last Saturday, but if it happens we are prepared to respond the same again,” he said.

“Today nature gave all our workers a dig out. The river level is down very significantly, the streets are all passable, and Centour Street has been pumped out.”

Met Eireann said showers will affect northern counties tonight, but persistent rain will reach the southwest later.

Rain in the southwest will spread towards the east tomorrow to affect much of Leinster and Munster, turning persistent and heavy at times across southern counties.

Mr Gormley, who cut short his holidays to visit Carlow yesterday, said people have to be aware that climate change was a major problem affecting people now.

“The warmer the air, the more moisture we can hold and the greater the precipitation,” he added.

“We are going to see more rain. We are going to see more flooding, but I hope the measures that we put in place now, that the government is committed to putting in place, will ensure that we have proper planning and that can plan for the future and that we won’t be building on floodplains.”