River Deel cleaning to go ahead

CLEANING of the River Deel - immediately downstream from the bridge in Crossmolina town - will get underway by September at the latest, Minister Seán Canney has confirmed.

Welcoming the measure, local Deputy Dara Calleary commended Minister Canney for taking charge of the situation and for his subsequent action.

He stated: “I have been in constant contact with him over the past number of weeks since his appointment as minister about flooding in Crossmolina and I also look forward to seeing him visit the town to meet the Crossmolina Flooding Group and hear at first hand about the devastation caused by flooding in the town.

In welcoming these measures, it must be acknowledged that they are only short term ones. We must keep a focus on the urgent delivery of a full flood relief scheme for Crossmolina. This has been dragged on for too long and I will continue to pursue it as a matter of urgency.”

Deputy Calleary commended Crossmolina Flooding Group for their very hard ongoing and often unseen work since last December.

They have achieved progress on issues such as the return valves, the wall at the Boreen Carpark, floodgates for residents and a better response plan in the event of further flooding,” he commented.

“I also wish to commend the organisers of the recent meeting in the river for delivering a fresh impetus to all of our efforts.

I will also continue to pursue the minister for funding for schemes in Ballina and Foxford.”