RESIDENTS OF THE flood-hit village of Passage East in Co Waterford met with Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and other representatives today, where they expressed their frustration at inaction and a lack of urgency surrounding flood relief and defences. 

The east and southeast of the country was hit with heavy flooding over the past two weeks as Storm Chandra led to swelling water levels and heavy rain.

Moran, who is responsible for the Office of Public Works, was accompanied by the government chief whip Mary Butler, Minister of State John Cummins, local Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane and local councillors.

A number of homes in the village suffered major flooding when a brook broke its banks and overflowed into nearby homes.

The representatives attended a meeting with residents at the local community centre.

Speaking after the meeting, Cullinane said that residents “raised strong concerns about the lack of effective early warning systems, stressing that timely and accurate information is essential to allow families to protect their homes and belongings”.

There were also issues raised around underinvestment in storm water and drainage infrastructure in the area. A lack of availability of sandbags was highlighted.

One local woman who met with Moran in the village told him that she had been experiencing flooding for 50 years and that government was “all talk, no action”.

Five flood relief projects for Waterford are now “at an advanced stage”, with the local authority committing to reviewing its response to flooding incidents and how to deliver timely and meaningful supports. 

Cullinane continued: “In my view it is important to acknowledge that existing systems have failed residents and that lessons must be learned.

“Communities like Passage cannot continue to live with the fear of repeated flooding.”

Some 65km away in the Wexford town of Enniscorthy, there was similar frustration at a local meeting held yesterday evening. Enniscorthy suffered severe flooding, particularly in areas such as Island Road, which runs along the River Slaney.

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The absence of local politicians at yesterday evening’s meeting was described as “disgraceful” by one speaker as those gathered advocated for an expedited agreement on a flood relief programme for the town.

Independent councillor Jackser Owens was critical of the absence of his fellow public representatives, claiming, “there are more cups of tea than politicians here tonight.”

Met Éireann has said there will be a “mix of cloud, late sunny spells and scattered showers for the late afternoon, heavy at times in southern and eastern parts” today, and outbreaks of rain and drizzle to continue throughout the week.

Additional reporting by Brendan Furlong