Wednesday, 01 December 2010 00:09
Written by EP Office
In the aftermath of last winter's chronic flooding Jim Higgins Fine Gael MEP for Ireland North West will bring flood victims to Brussels.
"The Flatley and McGough families were victims of flooding and their suffering was exacerbated by the failure of their Government to react in an efficient and timely manner. Having found no remedy at National level, the families will now travel to Brussels to have their voices heard."
"The families were granted planning permission in an area which the OPW described as prone to repeated flooding - in it's 1995 Flooding Report, of which the families were unawareat the time of building."
Despite all efforts the Flatleys and the McGoughs were forced to evacuate their homes and to watch the destruction of years of hard work, love and financial investment as the flood waters engulfed their homes.
Flooding varied from 3 to 5 feet deep and their homes were only accessible by boat.
"The crucial question is why planning permission was granted in an area which the local planning authority knew (via reliable OPW reports) to be prone to flooding."
"When the families questioned Galway County Manager as to why planning permission had been granted they were informed that it is not the responsibility of the County Council Planning authority to warn applicants of any potential risks in their choice of site."
"There is something inherently wrong when a local planning authority is not responsible for the planning permission it grants."
In the case of the Flatley petition, Tom Flatley was granted planning permission in 2001, just one year after the same planning authority had granted permission to demolish a neighbouring house due to repeated flooding.
In 1999 the McGough familiy were granted planning permission - like Tom Flatley they were totally unaware of the 1995 report.
"The current situation is a complete disgrace, the failure of the Government to provide any form of financial assistance or to implement a relocation scheme means the families must live with the constant threat of re-flooding, without insurance flood cover or any hope of selling their homes."
"Where is the €10 million set aside for flood victims? And why was it not used?"
ENDS
