Claim that gullies in these Kildare regions 'haven't been cleaned in years'

Some gullies in two County Kildare regions may have last been cleaned a few years ago.

The claim was made by Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) meeting, which took place on Wednesday, March 18 last.

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The topic of the uncleaned gullies arose when he submitted a motion calling for Kildare County Council (KCC) to puts in place a proactive programme of drain and gully inspection and cleaning in Newbridge, and that this programme.

Specifically, he outlined that he wanted KCC to: 

• "Identify flood prone streets, estates, and known problem locations for priority action"
• "Operate on a scheduled basis in advance of forecast heavy rainfall, rather than relying on reactive call outs"
• "Report back annually to members on locations treated, frequency, and observed outcomes"

His motion was seconded by Fianna Fáil Cllr Suzanne Doyle.

RESPONSE

Replying to his motion, KCC said via the report it submitted at the meeting: "The MD Office already carries out routine gully maintenance across the area.

"MD staff have identified locations prone to flooding in various areas and address these areas as part of the routine maintenance."

KCC added: "The MD Office is unable to expand the gully cleaning works due to the limited availability of resources."

However, Cllr Pender took issue with this report, and he alleged: "There are four gullies on Eyre Street and three on the Athgarvan Road that look like they haven't been cleaned ever since I was first elected as a councillor six years ago."

"I know we are limited in terms of budget and staff numbers, but we need to be proactive here instead of reactive."

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He also said: "It could probably save us money in the long run."

Following his comments, Cllr Doyle enquired to KCC about the possibility of it looking into the installation of French Drains in the alleged affected areas.

In response, a representative of KCC who was present at the meeting emphasised that the MD Office do proactively look at drains within the MD.

"Unfortunately, there is a lack of resources at present," they added.

Cllr Pender in turn said: "I'm not saying that the MD Office isn't trying its best, just that there are some drains that seem to be constantly flooding."

He also expressed support for Cllr Doyle's point about the potential installation of French Drains: "There are some in Ballymany and they do seem to work."

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File photograph

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Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.