Autumn flooding fears prompt calls for drain inspections in Donegal
Cllr Pauric McGarvey and Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly have asked the Donegal County Council to clear drains and gullies in the Letterkenny and Milford areas of debris as flooding fears grow
Councillor Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly put forward the motion asking the council to ensure that gullies in the Letterkenny and Milford areas are cleared of debris.
Cllr Kelly, Fianna Fáil, brought the motion to the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District (MD) meeting, sharing his concern that the gullies will remain blocked and lead to flooding in parts of the area.
“We’ve seen a lot of heavy rain and flooding in parts of Letterkenny and Ballyraine Road over the last number of weeks,” the Letterkenny councillor said. “There are numerous gullies that I have seen myself with grass growing through them.”
Cllr Kelly said that he has received complaints from Letterkenny residents in housing estates where gullies aren't working correctly due to blockages, leaving residents struggling to park their vehicles.
“Only last week, the principal of St. Eunans and the pupils were out on the road where the gullies were blocked, and they were trying to clear it themselves with an umbrella stick.” Cllr Kelly said. “That's all they had to use, so I think it's important going forward that inspections are carried out.”
Cllr Kelly said he fears that coming into autumn and winter, the district will see more blockages and flooding due to fallen leaves, and wants the community to contact him, along with other members of the MD, regarding any blocked gullies they come across.
The MD’s Cathaoirleach, Cllr Pauric McGarvey, who put forward a similar motion, agreed with Cllr Kelly.
Cllr McGarvey, Independent, asked the council to inspect and clear all drains within the MD’s towns, rural roads and estates.
“Similar to Councillor Kelly, I’ve gotten increased calls,” he said. “I find myself making the same calls about the same drains every year”
Cllr McGarvey suggested getting the council's IT department to create a map-reading system, where members of the public can report blocked drains and gullies by dropping an electronic pin.
David McIlwaine, Donegal County Council's Senior Executive Engineer for Roads and Transportation in the MD, said the council is aware of the location of gullies and drains, but gathering information in rural areas can prove to be “difficult”.
Mr McIlwaine said he would find out more information on whether or not creating a notification system for blocked drains and gullies is possible.
The council’s written response to both Cllr Kelly’s motion and Cllr McGarvey’s motion states: “As part of the Drainage Maintenance Programme, annual inspections of gullies and drains in urban areas are carried out. In rural areas, drainage works are undertaken where issues have been identified and where funding is available.”