Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has this week met with the Minister of State responsible for the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, to press the need for interim, short-term flood defence measures following meetings with residents along the Co. Louth coastline from North Louth to Baltray in the south.
During the meeting, Deputy McGreehan raised concerns about the ongoing and increasing flood risk along the Louth coastline and called for immediate action.
Speaking after the meeting, she said:
“What I am calling for is that the OPW and Government use the significant investment committed to flood relief to also deliver interim measures. These short-term interventions are essential to mitigate flood damage and provide protection for households and businesses while longer term solutions are being developed.
“We need to begin preparing now for the coming winter season. We cannot wait to react again next January. Interim measures must begin early in the year to allow time for works to be completed before weather conditions become more unpredictable.
“I will be working with the local authorities in the coming months to support their engagement with the Department and the Minister, so that they can get the resources needed to deliver these interim measures.”
It had been previously confirmed by the Minister that €154.1 million has been committed to flood relief works in County Louth, with projects in Ardee, Drogheda and Carlingford progressing at various stages.
Deputy McGreehan welcomed this investment but said the focus must now also turn to interim measures.
“Significant funding has been committed to reduce the impact of flooding and coastal erosion, but these works are at different stages of development.
“In the long term, these projects will help protect the coastline, but there is an immediate need for interim measures that can be delivered in the coming months ahead of autumn.
“What communities need now are measures that bridge the gap between immediate risk and the completion of long-term solutions.”
For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.
ENDS
Pictured: Deputy McGreehan with Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran
