A NORTHSIDE councillor has called on Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan to introduce an emergency grant-aid scheme to help householders who are repeatedly affected by flooding during major rain events.
Donaghmede ward councillor Tom Brabazon (FF) said repeat flooding events have taken place in a number of areas including Raheny, Coolock, Donaghmede and Artane.
“The funding to put flood barriers in place, carry out remedial works on existing drainage or put additional measures in place such as underground storage tanks has to be put in place,
? he told Northside People.
“I have asked the Environment Minister to arrange a meeting with Dublin City Council management, the chief executive of Irish Water and other Government agencies to urgently commence dealing with pluvial rainfall events, which again recently caused widespread flooding on our roads and in homes across the city.
“The problems are very serious for residents during these repeat flooding events and the householders affected have to be protected and supported by the Government and local authorities.
“These are unfortunately, no longer once off events and the State, through its various agencies, has the ultimate responsibility in this regard and it needs to acknowledge that and take urgent action now.
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Cllr Brabazon said he has been informed by the city council that it is unable to put the necessary drainage infrastructure in place owing to lack of grant aid from the Department of the Environment.
It also stated that whenever funding can be provided that it would
“take years for them to deal with each area affected as the current drainage systems do not have the capacity for and are not capable of dealing adequately with the rain events
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“This is an extremely urgent and serious matter for residents,
? added Cllr Brabazon.
“I call on the Government to consider the matter immediately and agree to put an emergency grant aid scheme in place for householders who are repeatedly flooded.
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A spokesman for the Department of the Environment and Local Government said there is no funding available from the Department to fund a grant scheme for householders.
“It is a matter for Dublin City Council to decide on the priority schemes which are funded under the Department’s water investment programme,
? he told Northside People.
“Perhaps Cllr Brabazon, who is a member of the city council, might ask that these schemes be prioritised by his own council and it is also open to the council to consider funding a grant scheme or otherwise from their resources.
“Cllr Brabazon might also be advised that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has overall responsibility in relation to the funding and provision of flood defence measures.
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A spokesman for Dublin City Council said it did not have any comment to make in relation to Cllr Brabazon’s statement.