Agenda item

Motion from Councillor Des Guckian - River Drainage Boards reinstated

That we write to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Agriculture seeking to have our river drainage boards reinstated, in this County, in order to alleviate the serious water-logging of agricultural land and very serious flooding in many areas. Also, that this motion be forwarded to the Councils of all neighbouring counties, as they, too, are in the same predicament.

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Des Guckian;

 

"That we write to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Agriculture seeking to have our river drainage boards reinstated, in this County, in order to alleviate the serious water-logging of agricultural land and very serious flooding in many areas. Also, that this motion be forwarded to the Councils of all neighbouring counties, as they, too, are in the same predicament."

 

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and referred to the flooding which took place on the 5th August on the N4.  Councillor Des Guckian proposed that the river drainage boards be reinstated to alleviate serious water logging of agricultural land and very serious flooding in many areas, and he made reference to the Pat Kenny Radio Show aired from the Landmark that shamed Leitrim before the nation in relation to flooding on our National Roadway.

 

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said he took exception to the statement that Leitrim was shamed before the nation.  He stated that a freak storm took place causing flooding on the N4 which very few systems would be designed to cope with. 

 

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the call for reinstatement of the Drainage boards.  Referring to the flooding incident on the 5th August, Councillor McGowan paid tribute to Joe Banks, Leitrim County Council, the Gardai, Fire Service and the local people who all assisted at the incident.  Councillor Sean McGowan called for funding to be provided by the TII to ensure culverts are kept clean.

 

Councillor Brendan Barry outlined that he would not support the setting up of the Drainage Boards stating that more money should be put into the physical works and the cleaning of rivers.  He also outlined that not all areas are covered under the Drainage Boards.

 

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said there is no cost involved in running Drainage Boards, no travel expenses are paid.  Councillor O’Rourke said he felt the Drainage Boards were very beneficial as you need co-ordination in getting work done.

 

Councillor Enda McGloin said he would support Councillor Barry’s comments stating if we don’t have money to do the works, there is no need for the drainage committees.

 

Councillor Mary Bohan said she broadly supported the motion and noted that the farmers Association did have input into the Drainage Boards.

 

Councillor Sean McDermott outlined that roads and houses in some cases need to be protected from flooding.

 

Councillor Padraig Fallon said additional water courses need also to be looked at if drainage boards are to be reactivated.

 

 

Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, paid tribute to Joe Banks, staff of Leitrim County Council and the Fire Service for getting the road re-opened following the flooding incident on the N4 on the 5th August.

 

Mr Terry McGovern, A/Senior Engineer outlined that he met the TII, and he is hopeful funding will be forthcoming for headwalls, twin pipes, manholes etc on the N4.

 

Mr Shay O’Connor, Senior Engineer advised Members that at an SPC meeting in 2016, it was outlined that €150,000 per year would need to be spent on land drainage as opposed to €20,000 per year.

 

Councillor Des Guckian thanked all the members for their support in this regard.

 

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Des Guckian

             SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McGowan

 

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council write to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Agriculture seeking to have our river drainage boards reinstated, in this County, in order to alleviate the serious water-logging of agricultural land and very serious flooding in many areas. Also, that this motion be forwarded to the Councils of all neighbouring counties, as they, too, are in the same predicament.