Cllr Ward outlined recent wet weather conditions that has given rise again to serious flooding issued for families with houses and land adjacent to Lough Funshinagh with 42 families and over 1,000 acres of land flooded. Despite representation to Government, no progress has been made to lower the levels of the Lough and a pipe must be installed from Lisphelim.

The elected members discussed the matter as follows:

·         This is the third such instance of flooding since 2014 and can no longer be considered a one in a hundred-year occurrence as this will be the norm under climate change. A permanent solution must be found and it is important to get information as soon as possible to the relevant authorities.

·         The matter should be considered a local emergency and the Council should carry out the works.

·         It is clear that methodologies used is flawed as rainfall levels are increasing. The OPW report must be realistic and an application sent to government to divert water.

·         ESB has primary control of flow of River Shannon following the construction of Ardnacrusha. Nonetheless a central body

·         Funding will have to be provided from Central government to make the roads affected by flooding in Castleplunkett safe, similar to works carried out in Briarfield.

·         Pinch points on the River Shannon must be cleaned out

·         What is the position on three items of information sought from OPW in relation to the Turlough?

Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services in addressing the matter stated that climate change is having a direct effect and why climate action plans are being developed. Roscommon County Council are doing what they can to help alleviate the situation within the resources that are available. Lough Funshinagh is impacted by rainfall. Further environmental analysis and site investigation works are ongoing and expected to be completed in the next 3-4 months. The Department of Social Protection operates a humanitarian scheme with the community welfare officers.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to write to the Department of Social Protection to provide humanitarian funding for families who have to evacuate from their homes as a result of flooding and to provide assistance to restore houses.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr Ward

It was AGREED to write to the Department of Agriculture to provide aid to farmers who are severely affected and will heed help with feeding livestock in the coming months as a result of the current flooding situation.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED that before Bord na Mona exits, money should be ring-fenced to ensure that all of the silt is removed from the River Shannon and there is a responsibility on all authorities to ensure this happens.

Cllr. Callaghan raised the matter of funding for Castleplunkett to make the roads safe as certain roads flood at all times during a weather event. The Cathaoirleach stated that there was reassurance from Minister Moran at their meeting last year that funding would be available for works in Castleplunkett. There has been good works carried out in the Briarfield and Enfield areas and the new Minister, when appointed, should be contacted to follow through on funding.