New hope for Bog Road flood issues

FIANNA Fáil TD John Brassil has said he has received reassurances that maintenance will take place to tackle flooding on the Bog Road area on the R551 between Tralee and Ballyheigue.

This follows recent discussions with Kerry County Council and the Office of Public Works.

About 200 to 300 metres of the main R551 road from Ballyheigue to Tralee, in an area known locally as the Bog Road, was flooded for a period of about five days a fortnight ago, leaving it was impassible at the time. Anyone travelling between Ballyheigue and Tralee had to take a diversion via Causeway.

“The channel that left the tide out was blocked, and as a result of that, everything backed up,” Deputy Brassil said. “The sluice gates weren’t operational and the combination of those factors led to severe flooding. Now that the channel has been cleared, the situation has abated.

“We’ve had meetings with Kerry County Council. I’ve raised it with the Minister of the Office of Public Works [Kevin Moran TD] and we’ve been giving reassurances that maintenance will be much tighter from now on to make sure the channel doesn’t get blocked.” Deputy Brassil said.

“It’ll involve having a machine out there on a when-needed basis to keep the channel clear. Three sluice gates need replacing and three need repairing, and that will be done in the next couple of weeks, at worst, we’re assured,” he added.

He said Kerry County Council has applied for funding to raise the level of the road. Depending on finances, Deputy Brassil said he is hopeful this work can be carried out later this year.

“There’s also a comprehensive flood study for the BarraCarrahane region; that will now include the flooding of the Bog Road area and what can be done about it,” he added.

“Myself and John Lucid, between the council and the Department, we’ve been doing everything we can. I think there’s a significant understanding that this can’t continue.”