Otters blocking storm damage remedial works

RESIDENTS of the seaside village of Carrowholly, near Westport, are still awaiting works to take place on storm repair and prevention works in respect of damage caused two years ago.

The storm surge and high tide of January 2014 left them marooned in their homes.

The November meeting of the West Mayo Municipal District heard that householders  were stranded in their homes again last week by a high tide.

Now it has emerged that the presence of otters in a nearby canal is hindering the works getting underway as the council must comply with an EU Habitats Directive when carrying out remedial projects and a ruling has yet to be made by An Bord Pleanála on the matter.

Councillor Christy Hyland, cathaoirleach of the West Mayo Municipal District, said while studies have been carried out on the environment and wildlife, no studies have been carried out on how the people in the area are affected by the storm damage