Ardee Road flood concerns persist

ONGOING concerns about potential flooding in the Dundalk area over winter were raised at the November Municipal Committee meeting.

Flood risks at the Ardee Mount were highlighted by Cllr. Maria Doyle, who appealed for the trench under Hill Street Bridge to be maintained, to allow for proper drainage at Balmers Bog.

‘I raised this at the last meeting, and I want to raise it again. If this trench is not maintained then the build up ofwater at Balmers Bog can lead to flooding at the Ardee Road that we really do not want to see again.’

She said that there were ‘ ongoing concerns’ around the suitability of a housing development in the area.

She added that the extension of planning permission to this development in 2012 did not include further flood risk reports.

‘ This is of concern as the Ardee Road had flooded a number of times since the planning permission was originally granted.’

She said the fears were that the development would ‘put pressure further downhill’ and on an area of the Ardee Road where residents had dealt with floods on a number of occasions.

‘I just want us to be sure that all which had to be done here was done.’

Cllr. Doyle also appealed to council officials to ensure that any flood prevention measures for this area were ‘ kept high on the list of priorities.’

She added:’ We have been very lucky that the weather has been so dry this Autumn, but we must be prepared for when it changes as the winter progresses.’

Chairman Mark Dearey said it was his understanding that when no works are undertaken after the first planning permission is granted, then further guidelines should be issued before an extension is granted.

He praised Cllr. Doyle for continually raising the concerns of local residents in this area, and urged her to keep doing so.