Flood repair budget comes in €2m short, says Calleary
DEPUTY Dara Calleary has claimed that funding allocations for repairs and defence schemes in the wake of last winter's storms have fallen 'far short' of what is needed.
Information released to the Fianna Fáil deputy through Parliamentary Questions reveals that €5 million has been allocated for road repairs and upgrades in Mayo, despite the county council submitting a request to the Department of Transport for over €7.3 million.
In addition, he said, three flood prevention schemes in Ballina, Crossmolina and Foxford are still awaiting approval from the Department of Public Expenditure, which has failed to set out a timeline for a decision.
Deputy Calleary commented: “At the height of the winter storms and subsequent flooding, government ministers and TDs were promising that the issue was a priority and that they would ensure funding would be made available to compensate those affected and to begin flood defence programmes to prevent future episodes. Almost three months later it is now obvious that flooding has fallen off the agenda.
“Roads across the county have been seriously damaged by the flood waters which savaged the west coast in November, December and January. Many remain in a treacherous state and certain roads are simply impassable, such is their condition.
“Despite Mayo County Council submitting an application to the Department of Transport for €7,383,851 to fund essential repairs for regional and local roads, only €5,000,000 has been allocated to date. This is well below what is needed to bring these roads up to scratch.”
The Ballina-based deputy also said the government is 'dragging its heels' over the flood relief programmes.
He stated: “Out of the four projects which were lodged by Mayo County Council with the OPW since the beginning of the year, only one has been approved to date. Essential works in Ballina, Crossmolina and Foxford are still sitting on the minister’s desk. This is simply not good enough.
“Will we have to wait for another flood to hit Mayo before the issue is taken seriously and the money is provided? I am calling on the relevant ministers – Ministers Howlin, Minister Donohoe and Minister Harris – to speed up the process and ensure that the areas which need this funding are allocated it without delay.”