Money ringfenced for Donegal flood schemes, Minister assures Killybegs residents

Short-term fixes will be implemented in the flood risk area of Bridge Killybegs while a larger flood mitigation project is being implemented, Minister Kevin Boxer Moran tells residents and business owners. 

The Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief was in the town as part of a recent whistlestop tour of the county. Also present were local representatives and officials from Donegal County Council and the Office of Public Works (OPW). The group met with local residents and business owners whose properties were severely flooded during Storm Bert in November 2024. 

Locals told Minister Moran that the street was actually below sea level in places, with the flood risk increased by the presence of a river which had become backed up due to a tree caught at the bridge. 

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Council officials outlined plans which they were bringing to the OPW. They spoke about non-return valves to stop the river water coming back up from the sea, and given that Bridge Street is very old, some modernisation of drainage works is required. 

The minister was told there are ‘high level’ solutions being considered, with assessments completed. However, it will take around 18 months to get planning documents ready.

Minister Moran acknowledged the efforts that had been made to date, but asked: “And while we're looking at the long term, what can we do in the short term? Maybe you could put in some non-return valves down at the sea? And maybe some screening to try and catch some debris. 

“My officials are here, so could we move on something? This particular area has been flooded so many times. You know and I know, we could have a major flood tomorrow morning.”

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He assured those present that the department and council officials would sit down together so see what short term solutions could be adopted. 

“There's always a mechanism of doing it,” he said, adding: “One of the benefits is that the harbour here in Killybegs actually isn't a [Special Area of Conservation] SAC, so it might be a little bit more straightforward.”

It was pointed out that the infrastructure around this whole area is higher than the street. The area included factories, houses and much cement and tarmac. Any obstruction meant that the water inevitably ended up on the street.  

Minister Moran said the council had drawn down money to progress the works as quickly as possible, and had narrowed the designs down to three options. 

“They're going to look at one of them, three, to see how it could progress,” he said. “That is the long term. That could take up to 18 months. We have to be fair and honest with the people.

“Me being here today, what I want to do now is go off and look at a short term solution through a minor works scheme that I would support. 

“The non-return valve is vital, but I'm not the engineer. We have to accept what the lads are telling us. But based on what I'm hearing, I'd like them to explore that option now rather than wait the 18 months. 

“If it means coming back into my department through a minor works scheme, I'd support it 100%. I need to get this up and running. “It's very important given that flooding is affecting so many people, so many houses being cleaned out and reflooded.”

The minister of state acknowledged that it could take years or more for a major scheme to come to fruition, hence the urgency in getting minor works carried out in the interim. 

Minister Moran thanked the local authority, the councillors and TDs for their response to the Bridge Street flooding, and for giving all the help they could to those affected. 

He stressed that money had been ringfenced for flood mitigation schemes in Donegal. 

Regarding the lengthy process of implementing major schemes, the minister said: “It’s not as simple as you can switch a switch and make things happen. But what we are trying to do through the minor works schemes is to help the local authorities to work with yourselves. 

“I know the frustration that people are going through here. I don't want it. Nobody wants it. 

“We are trying to support the local authorities.But we have to give them time to do that job. In the interim, trust me when I tell you, through the minor works, you can do stuff to reduce the floods from happening.”

Donegal’s geography puts it at the mercy of many of the effects of the climate crisis, including coastal storm surges and torrential rainfall.  

When asked if there was a long-term government crisis plan to address the challenges that this will continue to bring, Minister Moran told Donegal Live: “My job as Minister is to try and work within government to try and help that. “The big thing is that the money is there. And we have committed huge money to the whole of Donegal. It's €110 million of commitment.

“I heard in different places this morning, is that money going to be taken out now and used for different parts of the country? No, it's not. It's ringfenced for Donegal. 

“What we have to do now is work with the local authorities. And I say this with the best will of the world. It's not about blaming the local authorities or blaming government. We have to work together. 

“The crisis that is hitting us is climate change. People have ignored it for a great number of years. Now we see the high intensity of the rainfall and we all run straight to the local authority and they take the blame.

“They have to deal with the flooding issues that's upon them. We have to support them in whatever way possible we can through the financial side of things. But we have to work together. 

“I don't want these people here, none of these people here, suffering more than anybody else. My job as minister is to try and ease that.”

Minister Moran said he had increased his office’s minor works budget. 

“I’ve changed it from €750,000 to €2 million,” he said. “I brought in for the first time ever schemes in relation to vegetation clearance and blockages. These are all part of the steps.”

The minister said strategic legislation was being brought forward in terms of infrastructure and drainage. 

He stressed again the importance of government departments, local authorities and communities working together. 

“I will do everything I can to support that,” said Minister Moran.