James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 598: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has had to endure ten years of serious flooding to their home caused by problems with the canal towpath adjacent to his home, despite the obvious need for drainage and for stabilisation of the canal bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11357/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed that Waterways Ireland staff have met with the person in question on a number of occasions over the years and that the matter relates to the flooding of the towpath close to the person's house, rather than flooding of the house itself.

Approximately 6 years ago, Longford County Council resurfaced the towpath accessing the house and the road was laid out to the edge of the canal bank. After a period of time the water run-off flowing down the bank caused a small section of the canal bank to collapse. Waterways Ireland carried out remedial works to the canal bank and Longford County Council agreed to drain the road.

I am advised that the solution to the problem is to step back the road by about 0.5m to 1m from the edge of the canal bank, and to drain and kerb the road. Waterways Ireland assures me that it is satisfied that the proposed solution will address the ongoing drainage problem and it remains available to talk to the person in question at any time.