Flooding problems due to ‘overloaded storm drains’ – Casey

Newry & Mourne Councillor Charlie Casey has said that overloaded storm drains in Bridge Street in Newry and also in the Carnagat area have been the main cause of serious flooding problems and he has said that action had now to be taken to ensure that this did not happen again.

A flood up in Carnagat yesterday

“It’s very simple, these huge deluges of rain are now a common and expected weather pattern and rather than react to the flooding emergency when it happens, Roads, Rivers and Water Service agencies need to take action to ensure that these storm drains can cope,” said the Newry City Councillor.

Meanwhile Mayor of Newry & Mourne Councillor Dáire Hughes confirmed that Council staff were on the ground to support Roads & Water Service staff if needed.

“Our Council staff have opened the Locks gate and we have constant updates on our Facebook page,” stated Mayor Hughes, who has been out on the ground visiting homes and businesses caught up in the flooding.

Meanwhile, Newry City Sinn Féin Councillor Valerie Harte commended Roads and Water Service staff and the Emergency Services who she said had been “working flat to the mat” throughout the day.

“The priority at the minute is to respond to flooding reports and to try to make all roads as safe as possible. However there has to not only a serious discussion about the flooding situation but a plan of action to as best as practically possible address it,” the local Councillor added.

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Posted by Newry Times News on Nov 14 2014. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry