Weir proposal for Castlebar lakes can reduce Moy flooding threat - senator

A Mayo Oireachtas member has suggested that if a proper weir system is put in place on three Castlebar lakes, it could hold back the flow of the water that leads eventually into the River Moy after going through Lough Conn or Lough Cullin.

Senator Paddy Burke said the idea of erecting the weirs at Lough Lannagh, Bilberry Lake and Islandeady Lake should be seriously considered.

He elaborated: "This is a typical example of where the water in the winter could be kept at the summer level.

"If all these initiatives were put in place, there would have to be some responsibility.

"It could be the responsibility of the local authority or the OPW but we cannot depend on the community to advise and check the weather forecast to decide whether the weir should be opened and the water let flow downstream before the floods come.

"There has to be somebody to plan the issue and take responsibility for letting floods go when necessary and for closing the weirs or taking charge of whatever other systems might be in place to hold back the water upstream.

"They should be put in place and manned."