Concern about potential objections to Mayo flood relief scheme

THERE is concern that the Crossmolina flood relief scheme could be delayed by environmental objectors.

Councillor Michael Loftus highlighted the anxiety experienced by a community under threat of flooding each winter during his first address as the new cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council.

He has been pressing Minister Pascal Donohue to grant permission for the works.

The town has patiently been waiting for the relief scheme since experiencing devastating flooding eight years ago.

Now he has received word from the Department of Public Expenditure who have expressed concerns about potential objections by environmentalists.

This delay in approving the flood scheme is causing immense anxiety in Crossmolina, he said, where people live under constant threat of flooding from September.

Homes and businesses are left without insurance as a result. Houses are being left vacant and potential developments are reluctant to proceed until the scheme is in place.

Councillor Loftus said he has reached out to Minister Donohue and implored him to grant approval and enable the community to move forward.