Action is needed on problematic culverts and blocked gullies

Ongoing damage to homes and properties is still causing major problems and action needed to be taken to deal with problematic culverts and blocked gullies.

That was the message in a motion from Inishowen councillor Terry Crossan at the recent meeting of Donegal County Council.

He said in light of recent flooding events his motion called on the council to prioritise attention to culverts that are consistently proving to be problematic and consistently cause damage to adjacent properties.

"A lot of homes and properties have been damaged in recent weeks because of the high rainfall and one of the main causes has been due to problematic culverts and blocked gullies."

He added he knew of serious damage being done to properties in his area and other areas since 2017 and in subsequent years and said urgent action was needed now.

Cllr Crossan commended council employees for their great work in helping to alleviate and carry out remedial work in the wake of these incidents.

"We need to look at preventative measures to address this reoccurring problem, " he said.

His motion was seconded by Cllr Albert Doherty said this subject came up for discussion at their recent municipal district meeting.

"A stitch in time saves nine and we are now asking for a singular focus now on issues that are providing, causing or contributing annually to flooding and that maintenance care and attention given to these locations."

Council director for roads and transportation Bryan Cannon said the council's road service continues to prioritise both maintenance and repair of known problematic roads related culverts within available resources.

He added if councillors are concerned about any problematic roads related culverts he wanted them to bring it to the attention of the roads area staff within their municipal district.

"The councillors are right, prevention is better than cure in relation to these issues," he added.

Cllr Crossan asked that properties that had been damaged as far back as 2017 continued to suffer during heavy rainfall events. He asked these be given special attention to help prevent further flooding.

The motion was agreed upon unanimously.