OPW Minister open to discussions with Inishowen councillors over Burnfoot flooding issues

The Minister for the Office of Public Works (OPW) says he is open to discussions with local councillors over the proposed Burnfoot Flood Relief Scheme.

The border village was devastated after flash flooding hit Inishowen back in August 2017. Eight families were put out of their homes for safety reasons.

In a response to Donegal TD Padraig Mac Lochlainn, Minister Patrick O'Donovan said is "aware and sympathetic to the issues facing the residents of Burnfoot that remain in homes at risk of flooding and those that have been relocated to alterative homes for safety reasons after the flood event in the area".

The minister added: "Every effort is being made by all parties to expedite the process and ensure the scheme is in place as soon as is practically possible.  It is currently envisaged that the scheme following its construction will provide protection from flood risk for all properties in both Líos Na Greíne and Páirc An Grianán including those properties currently vacant in Páirc An Grianán.

"As you will appreciate, delivery of flood relief schemes is a complicated process which has five distinct stages. The proposed flood relief scheme is now near the end of Stage one which includes intricate and complicated option identification and completion of outline design suitable for submission to the relevant Planning Authority. The project is currently programmed to submit for planning consent in Q3 this year."

Construction of the scheme is expected to take approximately 18 months.

Deputy Mac Lochlainn said the scheme is taking "far too long" to complete.

"Over five years later there is no clear timeframe when the flood defences will be completed. This deeply frustrating.

"We need the minister to listen to the local councillors, listen to the local community and to do everything he can to speed this process up."