Raphoe Flood Crisis: Ward says government must act after decades of neglect

Deputy Charles Ward has called on the Government to urgently intervene to protect the people of Raphoe, warning that the town faces a very real and present danger to life from escalating flood risk.

Speaking in Dáil Éireann, Deputy Ward outlined how floodwater from the hills above Raphoe channels through the town and has now created a gaping hole over 10 feet deep beside critical sewer infrastructure on Railway Road near Andrew Hunter’s property. The ground continues to wash away, with a collapse posing catastrophic consequences for public health, safety and
essential services.

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Deputy Ward emphasised that flood prevention works for Raphoe have already been approved and funding is available, yet no works have commenced and the funding has not been drawn down.

He said this inaction is unacceptable for a community that has endured repeated floods over decades, in 1993, 2006, 2007 and most recently in July 2023, which caused thousands of euro in damage to homes and businesses.

Deputy Ward said Raphoe’s experience is the clearest example of how successive Governments, the Office of Public Works, Donegal County Council and the Department have failed communities when it comes to flooding prevention, mitigation and delivery of works.

He credited Councillor Frank McBrearty for his tireless, long-term advocacy on flood risk in Raphoe, noting that Councillor McBrearty has consistently championed the town’s needs, engaged with residents, and worked closely with Deputy Ward to bring the community’s concerns to the national stage.

Deputy Ward said it is no longer enough to defer to flood studies and future flood schemes. Donegal County Council continues to grant planning permission in areas already identified for flood risk mitigation without upgrading drainage and infrastructure to protect existing homes and Businesses.

Leaving Raphoe exposed to a known and escalating risk while approved works remain undelivered is not acceptable, Deputy Ward said.

He has asked the Government, will it now intervene to ensure that the approved flood prevention works in Raphoe proceed as a matter of urgency, and will it confirm a clear, enforceable timeline for delivery.

The people of Raphoe deserve action, not abandonment.