Civil Defence volunteers called in to assist Kildare residents at flood-hit homes

The Civil Defence were today called in to the homes of residents of Dara Park and Lakeside Park in Newbridge to assist them in their attempts to stop the unrelenting floods from destroying their homes.

The two estates have long been known for being seriously at risk of flooding, and despite efforts from the council to prevent any further cases, today brought a stark reminder of the impact that a few hours of torrential rain can have. Residents awoke this morning to find their gardens completely covered with water, this despite €300,000 worth of flood prevention works being carried out by Kildare County Council in the past 12 months.

The Civil Defence rolled in this morning to distribute sandbags to those who were trying to keep the water from their doorways, with volunteers aiding the flood prevention effort.

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Further questions were raised this afternoon by local Fine Gael councillor Fiona McLoughlin Healy, who portrayed her dismay at the thought of the same residents having to battle flood waters time and time again.

"I have been inundated with calls from residents of Dara Park and Lakeside, once again fearful of flood damage to their homes," said Cllr McLoughlin Healy.

"It is absolutely heartbreaking for residents of that despite the recent completion of a €300,000 Flood alleviation scheme their homes are once again under threat of flooding.

"Residents are incredibly angry and in shock that their homes are under threat AGAIN despite all the monies spent and reassurances given around the completion of flood alleviation works.There are a lot of serious questions to be answered in the aftermath."