FG: Floods need independent probe
21/11/2009 - 14:25:20An independent inquiry should be launched into the cause of some of the worst flooding in the Republic of Ireland in living memory, it was claimed today.
Hundreds of people have been evacuated in Galway, Ennis and Cork, where 18,000 homes were left without water.
Opposition Fine Gael spokesman on the environment Deputy Phil Hogan said the probe should focus on Cork City and the role of the local authority in monitoring rainfall and river water levels. He will raise the matter in the Dáil next week.
“I am calling on the government to vote in favour of the motion so that the issues relating to our increasing levels of flooding can be addressed and tackled and also for Minister (John) Gormley to establish an independent inquiry, without delay, so that the cause of the flooding issues in Cork can be accurately determined,” he said.
Next week in the Dáil Fine Gael will bring forward a private members’ motion which proposes the development of a national flood warning system, which will deliver a system of flood alert codes that result in co-ordinated, preventative action from local authorities, civil defence, the Office of Public Works and the emergency services.
This system will act as a monitor which, in the event of flooding being forecast, would issue warnings using a set of easily identifiable codes, Mr Hogan added.
“While such warnings would not tackle all the problems caused by floods, they would ensure that public safety is maximised, giving people the optimum amount of warning needed to prepare their homes and businesses so that the events of recent days might be avoided in the future,” he said.
While forecasters warned some areas will be hit with four hour downpours, homeowners and businesses were hoping waters would show some sign of receding.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said providing shelter and safe drinking water for victims of the flood in Connaught and Munster was a priority for the Government.
Met Eireann said residents can expect heavy rains and gales during the day, while Cork City Council warned the high tide was due between 7am and 9am.
“It is possible that flooding may occur in the low lying areas of the city centre. Steps should, therefore, be taken to protect property,” said a spokeswoman.
About 175 troops in 24 off-road trucks and four flat-bottomed boats were deployed in Cork City, Bantry, Clonakilty, Clonmel, Ennis, Ballinasloe and Carlow and stacked more than 10,000 sandbags.
A further 300 personnel and the Air Corps will remain on standby throughout the weekend.
An Army spokesman said the critical point in Cork was the 300-bed Mercy Hospital, where staff and patients were ferried in and out by boat.
Angry business people hit out at the ESB after a dam on the River Lee was opened piling pressure on Cork city’s strained flood defences.
Locals claimed the energy giant issued inadequate warnings before huge volumes of water were released through Inniscarra and Carridadrohid dams.
But the ESB said it gave authorities plenty of notice about the growing risk of severe floods.
Foreign Affairs Minister and Cork TD Micheál Martin said it is important to check on elderly neighbours and ensure they are safe, comfortable and have proper supplies.
Elsewhere gardai advised motorists not to make any unnecessary journeys.
Heavy rain through out the night and morning has resulted in increased inflows to the lakes at Carrigadrohid and Inniscarra on the River Lee in Cork.
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