'Dismay' at River Barrow flooding in Kildare and other counties

A national organisation that promotes the maintenance of Ireland’s navigable rivers, like the River Barrow, is 'dismayed' by recent flooding in Kildare and other counties and says necessary clearance work is held up at the country's national planning body.

The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) is a voluntary organisation, formed in 1954 to promote the development, use and maintenance of Ireland’s navigable rivers and canals. It called for action in the wake of recent widespread flooding that peaked during Storm Chandra and flooded parts of Portarlington and other towns along the River Barrow.

"The Executive of the IWAI are dismayed at the extensive flooding caused by the high-water levels recorded across eight counties," said a statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

The association focused on flooding in the Barrow catchment, which it claims could have been mitigated or partially prevented if "overdue and essential" maintenance and remedial works had been permitted. 

"IWAI sympathize with all those who have been so badly affected by the flooding. The condition of the River Barrow and the clear need for Essential Maintenance works have been a prime issue of concern for us over the past two years," it said.

Because the Barrow runs through an SAC (Special Area of Conservation), Waterways Ireland (WI), under EU regulations, the association said planning permission must be sought for basic maintenance works, such as had previously been carried out with regularity for decades.

"Ensuring that the navigation channel of the Barrow is fit and safe to navigate will also ensure that areas that will require dredging will receive this essential process," it said. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Past flooding in Portarlington.

The IWAI said it has previously made submissions in support of Waterways Ireland’s planning applications for maintenance works, in all relevant counties as well as to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

"The three relevant Councils of Kildare, Laois and Carlow have approved Waterways Ireland’s application for maintenance works. Two of those applications have been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála who in turn have postponed a decision on the issue, apparently due to resource constraints - an entirely unsatisfactory position for a state agency that is on the critical path for so many important decisions," it said.

READ ALSO: Storm Chandra flooding photos in Portarlington

IWAI urged the public to lobby their local politicians and ministers to request a final decision from An Coimisiún Pleanála on this matter and to make basic essential maintenance works exempt from planning.

The IWAI sys it has done much to instigate the improvement of the Barrow.