Laois proof that river clearing reduces town flood risk

There is new evidence in Mountrath that clearing rivers has resulted in lower levels and as a result reduced the risk of flooding, a Laois County Councillor has claimed.

Cllr James Kelly, Independent, made the claim in relation to River Whitehorse that flows through Mountrath and has recently caused flooding in the town.

He told a recent meeting where there several motions on flooding that work carried out has been a success and proved that the local authority is not powerless in flood prevention. 

“Debris was removed from the Whitehorse and when the last rains came the waters were down two feet. That just goes to show that if we are allowed onto the rivers (to clear) we can reduce the dangers. Most of the problems we have are because we are not allowed to go in and do the work on the rivers,” he said.

Cllr Kelly told Laois County Council officials and councillors that if money was available the council had the staff to carry out the river clearance work.

Laois flood rises in 'blink of an eye'

County Hall told frequent heavy rain is making things worse

The issue was highlighted at a recent meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.