FINE Gael county councillor Liam Galvin has described the flood zoning of Abbeyfeale as “ridiculous and scandalous” and has asked Limerick county council to lodge a formal objection with the Department of the Environment and the Office of Public Works (OPW).
Speaking at last Monday’s monthly council meeting, Cllr Galvin claimed the zoning has disastrous implications for the town in terms of home insurance and the massive cost of flood surveys for planning.
“This is ridiculous. The town cannot flood. It just can’t happen. There was an issue with a drain on Main Street a few years ago when it got blocked but the town has never flooded before,” he claimed.
He proposed the Council call a meeting with the OPW and environmental, engineering and risk company JBA as a matter of urgency.
Cllr Jerome Scanlon commented, “There’s a certain mystique about JBA. Flood zoning should not be implemented until we know the flood plain issues.”
“There are conflicting views,” he added.
Council Cathaoirleach John Sheahan described the flood zoning of Abbeyfeale as “ludicrous”.
Director of services Oliver O’Loughlin said he would look into the possibility of meeting with JBA and the OPW on the issue.
