Urgent action called for at flooding blackspot in Tullamore
Action needs to be taken without delay to tackle flooding at a blackspot at Callary St and Convent View in Tullamore, a local public representative has stated.
Torrential rain on recently again caused severe flooding at the blackspot.
Motorists were warned to avoid the Convent View and Callary St areas where there was extensive flooding at the corner adjacent to the Fiona Pender Memorial.
Swift action was taken to lower the flood waters by Seamus Walsh & Co. Drain Cleaning acting on behalf of the local authority.
The area is prone to flash flooding and the problem has been highlighted by local residents and politicians for many years.
Cllr Declan Harvey, who has raised the matter with Uisce Eireann and Offaly County Council many times in the past, said there had been a recurring flooding problem in the greater Tyrells Road area for over three decades.
But he said the problem recently was much worse than in previous years and flooding engulfed the corner area near the Fiona Pender Memorial very rapidly.
Cllr Harvey revealed he rang Uisce Eireann on Sunday to notify them of the problem and also contacted Seamus Wash.
“There are huge environmental and health issues associated with this situation,” stressed the Fianna Fail councillor.
He said it was not proper that sewage was being pumped into the canal to reduce the flooding.
Cllr Harvey also highlighted the health issues associated with sewage swimming around a public street and footpath.
“There are a number of elderly people living in the direct vicinity and it is completely unfair on them,” he added.
Deputy Barry Cowen, who has also highlighted this issue in the past, said a solution needed to be found to the problem without delay.
He said it was very unfair on people in the area who had to endure this problem for over 30 years.
Cllr Harvey said he also intends to contact the Minister for the Environment and call on him to assist in finding a solution.
The public representative also called on the council to ensure all gullys in Tullamore were cleared on a regular basis.