BALLYDUFF ‘IN DANGER OF BEING FLOODED’

Erosion in Ballyduff Upper caused by the River Blackwater was highlighted at last week’s meeting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District.

Speaking at the online meeting, Councillor Declan Doocey highlighted the dangers posed to the West Waterford village unless immediate action is taken.

“We have a difficulty in the Blackwater of land being eroded and Ballyduff village is in danger of being flooded if there isn’t immediate remediation carried out,” Cllr Doocey said.

‘ASSISTANCE’ NEEDED, ‘NOT BUREAUCRACY’

According to the councillor, the affected landowner is intending on carrying out works, however, he highlighted concerns regarding the slow process of seeking planning, claiming that by the time planning permission would come through ‘it’s going to be too late’.

Erosion to the land, located west of Ballyduff village on the northern bank, is now ‘ pretty severe’ according to the councillor.

Cllr Doocey requested that the council appeal to the Board of Works in order to assist the landowner, before the land in question is lost to flooding.

“The geography and the levels of the site are very, very detrimental to the village of Ballyduff and he needs assistance, not bureaucracy,” Cllr Doocey added.

NO GRANTS AVAILABLE

A response issued to the councillor revealed that a flood relief scheme is proposed for the village of Ballyduff which will focus on protection measures.

“Any other works being carried out by private landowners along the riverbank will require the relevant consent from the OPW/NPWS/WCCC. There are no grants available through WCCC for such private works,” the response read.