Freak flooding damages homes near Border

A local tries in vain to clear water from the flooded areas near Gleneely

placeholder image — A local tries in vain to clear water from the flooded areas near Gleneely

"This is now a major issue, there needs to be drainage work done otherwise homes will be destroyed" - Cllr Patrick McGowan

A major downpour that caused a freak flash flooding episode has threatened to rip up rural roads and place householders in danger.

Locals living at Drumfergus off the Gleneely Road above the village of Crossroads experienced raging torrents of water flowing rapidly, almost violently along a stretch of their road this Friday evening.

A section of the flooding at Drumfergus

At least five homes have suffered damage to their exterior walls, gardens, sides of houses, and motor vehicles and in one case one resident watched the water flow in through his front door and out the back!

Local councillor Patrick McGowan visited the scene a short time ago and said he was shocked by what he saw.

"This is now a major issue, there needs to be drainage work done otherwise homes will be destroyed. Locals tell me they believe this flooding is avoidable and caused in their opinion by poor drainage in the area. They have experienced flooding for several years now but this time it's going to take tens of thousands to fix the road and repair homes on this Border road."

More flooding on the affected road

He added people were very angry as they had predicted this would happen until proper drainage measures were instituted.

"The tar has been ripped right off the road and the water is gushing down the hill taking all before it. There are at least five houses affected and this is not good enough in this day and age. There have been small works done every time flooding happens but when something like this comes along, it's really time for action. The people living up here don't deserve this."