‘Clady defences not good enough’

FOLLOWING the three storms which battered the locality last week one local businessman has ruefully reflected on what he sees as a ‘misuse of public funds’ in terms of flood defences in Clady.

Edward Flanagan, who owns the Vivo petrol station in the village, believes the flood defences which are supposed to ensure that his and other businesses stay safe in times of inclement weather are just not good enough.

“I think the flood defences we have in the village have addressed the wrong area and locals to whom I have spoken to are also of the belief that the current barriers give no added value whatsoever when it comes to flooding. If flood defences were to be enforced anywhere, then the best place would be the wall behind my shop,” Mr Flanagan explained.

Torrential

“I am the first address in the village to be hit if there is any kind of sustained rainfall. For the past week, the rainfall has been torrential with three storm after one another. Also the snowstorm which left the Finn Valley hills covered will be a contributing factor as that snow will eventually turn into water and it all trickles down to my shop. This might happen three or four times a year if we have an especially bad weather cycle.”

Mr Flanagan says that despite the trio of storms, his shop managed to get away largely unscathed – this time – dreading to think what might happen in the future.

“Water did come into the forecourt, thankfully stopping a foot from the door. I spent all of Sunday getting the shop emptied, taking out fridges, ovens, tills and stock to ensure nothing got damaged. I would like to take the opportunity to thank John McGowan for the loan of a lorry for us to store all the equipment and food.

“If the storms had been worse and I found my shop flooded, then I estimate I would have lost around £90,000 of stock and equipment, which would have had to be replaced out of my own pocket, although I don’t know how I would have managed that to be honest.” he continued.

“I have spoken with many insurance companies and not one of them will offer me cover for flood damage which, given my location, doesn’t help me at all, leaving me on a bit of a sticky wicket.”

Mr Flanagan’s shop was not the only thing affected, with widespread flooding affecting various areas within the district. Roads and walkways were underwater, leaving communities cut-off from each other, scores of trees were down and power outages widespread across the district.

Protection

When contacted this week in relation to flooding concerns in Clady, a spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said, “The flood defences at the River Finn, which are predominantly earthen flood banks, were constructed around 60 years ago and provide some degree of protection to properties in Clady village and the surrounding area.

“The Department has carried out a number of flood studies to assess the level of risk to properties in this area to determine if a viable flood alleviation scheme, to enhance the level of flood protection to properties, could be taken forward.

“Unfortunately overarching flood alleviation proposals, to reduce the existing flood risk to properties in Clady village and outlying areas along the Urney Road from the River Finn, are not economically viable. However, last year the Department completed a £300,000 localised flood alleviation scheme on the Donnygowen Burn, where it joins the River Finn. The scheme involved the construction of permanent floodwalls, widening of an existing road bridge and associated drainage works to help convey high flows of water during periods of severe weather.”