Councillor moves to ease fears on Liffey flooding

The expanded discharges from the Poulaphuca Reservoir (above) initiated by the ESB yesterday should not pose any imminent threat to residential and urban properties, according to Cllr Fiona O'Loughlin, writes Brian Byrne.

In a statement issued this morning, the councillor — who is a Fianna Fail candidate in the upcoming general election — says she has been in contact with officials on the discharges, consequent on communication from various people about the warnings.

Cllr O'Loughlin notes that €10m has been invested in extensive alleviation works in recent years in Co Kildare (funding from the Office of Public Works), in Kilbelin, Newbridge; Ballymore Eustace, Butterstream, Clane; Johnstown, and Celbridge.

"The ‘mid-Liffey’ area is mentioned as a possible risk, rather than a definitive impact and flooding today should not impact on residential areas," she says.

The full text of her statement can be read here.