Flooding fears grow at Letterkenny estate - Donegal News

RESIDENTS living in a Letterkenny estate have expressed their worries at possible flooding closing in on their homes.

A meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District yesterday heard that residents of Thorndale Estate have seen water come into their gardens.

Cllr Gerry McMonagle brought a motion after he was contacted by worried residents over “near misses” at their properties, with their proximity to the River Swilly also having an impact.

“I am calling on our Environment Section to carry out an inspection of the stream running behind the houses at Thorndale Estate to ensure it is clear of vegetation, trees etc to allow the free flow of the stream and help prevent possible overflows resulting in flooding of people’s properties during times of heavy rainfall,” he said.

“I have been contacted by a number of residents who are fearful of the stream behind them.

“These families are worried. It’s an issue for them every year and it’s getting worse, so we need to reassure them that we’re doing all we can to mitigate the risk of flooding.”

The motion was seconded by Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh and the council response was welcomed by Cllr McMonagle.

The response informed: “The Environment and Climate Action Section will arrange an inspection of the stream corridor to the rear of Thorndale Estate.

“As part of this process, the Council will engage with the Office of Public Works (OPW) regarding the section of channel forming part of the Arterial Drainage Scheme (ADS C12) to establish any recent or planned maintenance activities and to consider any implications for flood risk management.

“Following the inspection and engagement with the OPW, we will assess any appropriate mitigation measures and liaise with relevant Council sections in relation to Thorndale Estate.”

Cllr McMonagle requested a timeline to be provided for the works.

Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription. Any time | Any place | Anywhere