Munster Express Online

The investigation by engineering consultants into the recent serious flooding at Dunkitt was a long and difficult one and a report was due in the coming week, a meeting of the Piltown Electoral Area Committee of Kilkenny County Council was told.

Area Engineer Denis Lawlor said Kilkenny County Council had first to get agreement with the National Roads Authority for the appointment of consultants to look into the flooding. It took time to liaise with residents in the area and bring all the parties together to try to resolve the problem. The drainage at Dunkitt was under review by the consultants.

It was a difficult report to compile and it involved private landowners, the local authority and the NRA which had responsibility for the motor way. There were a large number of entities involved and the report was expected in the coming week. The Co. Council would then set out its agenda to tackle the flooding issue.

Mr Lawlor said the risk of flooding at Dungooley had been reduced and works were ongoing at Ballinacurra, Gaulstown.

Committee Chairman Cllr Pat Dunphy (FG) said there had been serious flooding in Dunkitt. The winter was again approaching with a risk of further flooding if there was prolonged heavy rain. People wanted to know why the flood report was taking so long to complete.

Cllr Tomas Breathnach (Lab) asked if short term measures could be identified to prevent a repetition of last winter’s flooding at Dunkitt. A number of houses in the area were vulnerable and isolated.

The Area Engineer said if the recommendations in the flood report could be implemented immediately the Council would try and secure funding to undertake those works.

Dealing with flooding at Glengrant, the Area Engineer said with the consent of the Fishery Board the Council cleared debris from beneath the bridge. They also removed trees down stream to let water get away from the local houses as quickly at possible. They would try and negotiate with the landowner upstream of the bridge and carry out further flood relief works.