by Alan Jacques
Limerick City and County Council has been asked to put measures in place to protect Athea National School from river erosion and flooding.
Local Sinn Fein councillor Seamus Browne told the council executive at this month’s district meeting, that the school is in danger of losing its playground and basketball court due to the damage being caused by the River Galey, which runs through the village.
“Measures need to be put in place to stop erosion. This is their biggest issue,” Cllr Browne explained.
Operations manager for the local authority’s South and West divisions, Brian Kennedy explained that as the river was not an OPW (Office of Public Works) waterway, it was a matter for the school.
Fine Gael councillor Liam Galvin pointed out that the Athea community were “unique” in regards the amount of local fundraising that is continually carried out for projects.
“I am disappointed to hear this response from the council,” he said.
Cllr Browne proposed that the Council write to the Department of Education on the school’s behalf calling on flood defences to be allocated in the interest of safety.
All councillors supported the proposal.
