Killybegs river debris must be cleared to avert Bridge Street flooding repeat

Contractors will work on cleaning river overgrowths in Killybegs in two weeks, aiming to prevent a repeat of flooding seen in Bridge Street following Storm Bert in 2024.

Donegal Municipal District area manager for Roads and Transportation, Mark Sweeney, told councillors in July’s MD meeting that he had “engaged with the contractor” who had indicated to him they would be in Killybegs in a fortnight. 

Bridge Street in Killybegs was the scene of flooding after Storm Bert last year, which was described as “heartbreaking.” At its peak, the flooding rose to a height of 1.2 metres.

It was established that the flood was caused by a fallen tree and other debris which was obstructing the flow of a nearby river in Killybegs.

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Cllr Niamh Kennedy said the residents were “very worried” especially after the recent heavy rain, and Cllr Jimmy Brogan commented that residents were “well within their rights to be worried about what is going on” and were “afraid that there is going to be a major flood again.”

Dunkineely-based councillor, Michael Boyle, said that the money was in place, and if the contractor can’t do the work, then Donegal County Council could get another contractor.