A NORTHSIDE TD has called on Fingal County Council to consider the introduction of flood protection and alleviation measures in areas of Howth and Sutton that were recently affected by severe flooding.
Deputy Tommy Broughan made the call after a large amount of rainfall resulted in flooding in a number of estates on the peninsula on August 10.
Deputy Broughan told Northside People he was contacted by a number of residents affected, including those whose homes were flooded.
“They expressed shock and dismay about the severity of the flooding,
? he said.
“The flooding in Howth and Sutton was a major inconvenience for a number of local residents.
“The council needs to act swiftly to determine the cause and how it can be prevented in the future.
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The residents asked Deputy Broughan to find out the cause and what measures could be taken to avoid a reoccurrence.
Deputy Broughan contacted Fingal County Council and asked its officials in the water and drainage department to report on measures that would be taken to prevent flash flooding in times of extreme rainfall.
He also pointed out to the council that there had been previous incidences of significant flooding in some of the areas affected (on August 10) in both 2008 and 2011.
A spokeswoman for Fingal County Council said the recent flooding was as a result of an extreme weather event and
“outside the design parameters for infrastructure
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“The volume of surface water run-off overwhelmed the drainage system, both natural and engineered,
? she told Northside People.
“It is unlikely that any drainage network would be capable of dealing with the run-off from this.
“This flood event resulted in a number of properties being flooded.
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The spokeswoman said the council is appointing consultants to examine the areas most affected by this and previous flood events.
“A scheme will then be prepared to identify flood alleviation works to help reduce the risk of further occurrences of flooding,
? she added.
Deputy Broughan said he would await the outcome of the council’s report and then carefully examine its contents.
“I will be liaising with council officials on behalf of residents affected to ensure that appropriate flood prevention and alleviation measures are put in place so that the events of August 10 do not reoccur,
? he added.
“The unique topography of the Howth Peninsula also requires that all development and construction in the area is carefully invigilated in relation to long-term adequate drainage standards.
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