Laois representative claims flooding not inevitable

Storm Chandra flooding in The Rock area near Mountmellick that's located in the River Barrow catchment. Pic: Leinster Express

placeholder image — Storm Chandra flooding in The Rock area near Mountmellick that's located in the River Barrow catchment. Pic: Leinster Express

Sinn Féin representative hits out at Government 'inaction'

Storm Chandra devastation exposes years of Government failure to deliver flood relief schemes that communities have been promised for almost a decade, according to Laois Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack.

Speaking following statements in the Seanad on the weather event, the Portlaoise-based politician said the flooding experienced in Laois and across the country was predictable and preventable. She insisted that people are paying the price for chronic delays and political inertia.

“The flooding we saw was devastating, but it was inevitable given the persistent rainfall and the Government’s failure to put flood defences in place. This is not about one storm — it is about years of neglect,” she said.

Sen McCormack highlighted the situation in Laois, where communities in Mountmellick, Portarlington and Clonaslee continue to live under constant threat of flooding.

“Flood relief schemes for these towns were promised after the devastating floods of 2017. Nine years later, they are still stuck at planning stage. Schemes on paper are worth nothing to families who fear every yellow rain warning,” she said.

The Senator also pointed to revelations at the Public Accounts Committee that millions of euro allocated for a National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service went unspent.

“Between 2020 and 2024, just €5.9 million of a €19.3 million allocation was spent. People deserve answers. This lack of urgency is indefensible when homes and businesses are being destroyed,” she said.

Sen McCormack said many families can no longer access insurance and are living with constant anxiety about further flooding.

“The stress, the financial loss, and the fear of it happening again cannot be underestimated.

She concluded by calling for immediate action, not further delays.

“Words are not enough. Plans sitting on paper for nearly a decade are not enough. Flood defences must be delivered now — not in four years’ time. How many more storms will communities endure while they wait?”