SOS from Clonlara flood victims to save further disaster

Shannon Banks also seen at risk

RESIDENTS in the Springfield area of Clonlara are watching the increased rainfall with baited breath as moves go ahead to try to resolve the problem which saw them battling back floodwaters for two years running.

Geraldine Quinlivan and her family, along with her 81-year old mother, Nora Mason, had to be evacuated with others from the Shannon Banks area when the river broke its banks and poured into homes for the second year in a row.
This time two years ago, Geraldine and other residents had to be moved to a hotel in Limerick city because their homes were destroyed with flood water.
Now the Killaloe area committee of Clare County Council has said it will apply for funding next year to do works to try to prevent further disaster for Clonlara families.
“You sit here, particularly on a day like this, when the rain is bucketing down and you think ‘oh no – is it going to happen again?’ It really plays on my mother’s mind,” said Geraldine.
She added that even if the council cannot apply for funding until next year, it is a move in the right direction.
“Any funding would be very welcome- we really need to see something done”.
Residents in the area believe that the islands which exist in the river, and silting which happens at Plassey, is a major contributor to the flooding problems.
“I went up there (to Plassey) with my husband about a month ago and we took photos.
“The height of the water is nothing short of startling. The channel is so constricted at Plassey and this is further compounded by the fact that the Mulcaire is flowing into the Shannon just above that point.
“When the water levels increase, it has nowhere to go but down to us,” Geraldine told the Limerick Post.
Local councillor, Cathal Crowe, (FF), put forward the motion at council to apply for funding from the Office of Public Works to do some work at Plassey to alleviate the problem.
“I’m pleased that we will be able to apply for funding in 2012 and it’s the right time to do it as there is currently a major study going on into the causes of the flooding,” he told the Limerick Post..
But he added that he is not happy that a number of Government TDs who attended a conference on flooding in the University of Limerick recently, did not make the short journey to talk to Springfield residents.
“Springfield is just a mile away from UL and not one of those residents or their public representatives were notified (about the conference). They didn’t avail of an opportunity to meet people in Limerick and Springfield who have been badly affected by flooding”.

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