Mussels caused flooding problem in west Mayo

MUSSELS that decided to make a home for themselves on a sluice gate caused a flooding issue in west Mayo.

Only a tractor could get through the recent flood on the road between Roscahill and Claggan, local Councillor Johnny O'Malley told a Westport-Belmullet Municipal District meeting.

He wondered if the sluice gate was blocked and it was confirmed that indeed it had been as mussels had grown on it.

The councillor was told they had been cleared and when the water table dropped it would be cleared up some more.

Generally on the roads, Councillor O'Malley said water tables need to be opened up as there are flashes of water everywhere and it can pull you off the road when you're not expecting them.

If he had time the next day he'd go out and open them up himself, he offered.

“We should try and make an effort to open the water tables,” he told management.

Municipal head Padraic Walsh said the council will be opening tables and there will be a focus on problem areas.