Six months late, but welcome

Editorial Department • Published 5 Aug 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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It is six months late, but the general welcome from our public representatives to the 139-page Flooding Taskforce report at least suggests it may be worthwhile.

There are a number of recommendations and it seems, lessons learned.

A major review into how water levels are managed on the Erne system is to be carried out. As farming leaders have pointed out, this in itself does not completely solve the problem. This review must take place immediately and must produce effective new procedures on how to manage water levels so that serious flooding incidents can be avoided.

It looks unlikely that the channel of the Erne will be widened. Aside from the ecologically aspects to consider, the major works and loss of land would cost £20million.

It is good news that a number of roads are to be raised in affected areas and a feasibility scheme conducted to consider options to alleviate the problem at Derrychara Link where flooding caused weeks of misery to traders.

Emergency planning arrangements must be developed by statutory organisations.

- The PSNI found that the flooding meant there was poor access for 4x4 vehicles, and so their Shogun jeeps were not effective in flood waters.

- The Western Education and Library Board said there was a "disproportionate reliance" on a small group of officers internally. They had "no specific details" of pupils affected during the flooding, such as their names or locations.

- Northern Ireland Water said it could have had better "initial response mobilisation" to address emergency situation never previously encountered at Killyhevlin Water Treatment Works.

- The Western Health and Social Care Trust said they were "unable to use vehicles" or provide "offers of help" because of risks involved.

- The Rivers Agency admitted they had an "over reliance" on a small number of local staff.

- Roads Service said they had "limitations on their own vehicles to work in flood waters" and a "lack of training" for staff on boat handling.

It is good that the problems have been identified and lessons learned. Work is to be carried out "very soon" on the roads.

As many as nine roads are to be raised in Fermanagh. We await the work as soon as possible.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 05 Aug 10

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