Mayo community growing frustrated at flood relief work delays

Local people and members of the business sector in Crossmolina affected by the risk of flooding have major concerns about the progress of the flood relief project.

Mayo TD Alan Dillon has highlighted the concerns of the community.

He said the benefits of the scheme would be huge.

He said: "I compliment Mayo County Council, its engineers and the staff of the OPW on the work they have done to date for the people of Crossmolina.

"However, we need this project to progress to tender and project build and construction. In response to his concerned, Minister of State Patrick O'Donovan outlined: "First, the commitment of the OPW and Mayo County Council is well documented.

"I have been to Crossmolina and I am aware of the difficulties associated with this.

"The scheme will protect approximately 120 properties.

"The town has been inundated several times so we want to progress it.

"However, the department has to be satisfied that when he makes a decision on any element of this it has to be insulated against any potential judicial review.

"Unfortunately, judicial reviews are now becoming more likely so the decision has to be insulated against any such potential likelihood.

"I know this is a cause of frustration. It is a cause of frustration for me, the OPW and Mayo County Council, but especially for those who are being inundated time and again and swamped with excrement, sewage and every sort of filth in flood water.

"The money for Crossmolina is ring-fenced, so it is not a question of funding. Once the scheme is committed to and can be delivered, we will build it with Mayo County Council."