Flood concern raised in Dowra

Flash flooding, which engulfed the road in and out of Dowra village, leaving residents and motorists stranded, was the subject for an application for a study to be carried out into the threat.

Fianna Fáil’s John Paul Feeley said the flooding occurred during heavy rainfall in the area and on a Saturday, when the village was “busy” and the Mart open. He said the deluge that hit the west Cavan village all but turned it into “an island” and left many motorists “trapped” in their cars.

He said the fear of a reoccurrence was real, and felt locally, especially during the summer months when livestock are being put out on lands and may need rescuing.

Cllr Feeley stated that, in the 1980s, a scheme was carried out to clear vegetation from the River Shannon running through the village, and that such works might prevent flooding from reoccurring.

Fine Gael’s Peter McVitty supported the motion, as did Fianna Fáil’s Sean Smith who said there needed to be a “bigger emphasis” on drainage throughout the county.

Independent Cllr Brendan Fay stated that flash flooding was occurring in other areas too, leaving families “unable to leave their homes”, and offered that it would be important to have the Office of Public Works “on board.”

Senior Engineer for the Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District area, Paul Mulligan, informed councillors that funding may be available under the Minor Works Programme, but an application was needed.

But he warned that, often when such works are instigated, other issues appeared further down stream.

“Dowra is at the start of the Shannon. Maybe we need to talk to people further downstream.”