IRELAND South MEP Liadh Ní Riada has called on Limerick City and County Council and the Office of Public Works (OPW) to take immediate action and work together to reinstate defences along the banks of the River Feale.
The Sinn Féin politician made the call this week following a visit to the Roche family in West Limerick, whose home is under severe threat due to erosion on the riverbank at Abbeyfeale.
“I visited with Eamonn and Marie Roche at there home in Abbeyfeale, and was shocked by the situation they find themselves in. My colleague Cllr Séamus Browne had briefed me on the threat to the Roche’s home, but seeing it first hand really drove home the seriousness of it, and the need for decisive and immediate action,” Ní Riada said.
“A home should be a place of security and safety, and I can’t imagine the awful stress and fear of watching a river come ever closer to your back door. I witnessed for myself the impact that river erosion on the Feale is having on the Roches and their home. It was frightening to see the damage to their property, with the river now only a few feet from their back door.”
Ní Riada went on to say that she did not understand why the OPW or Limerick City and County Council will not provide assistance to the Roches to protect their home.
“There is a solution to this issue; the Roches need the assistance of the OPW and the Council to reinstate the defences along the river bank. I have grave concerns about the environmental damage the house falling into the river. The Local Authority and the OPW need to rethink their strategy on how to solve this issue for the Roches and the people of Abbeyfeale.
“I am very concerned for the safety of the Roches and their neighbours when the house does go into the river. I intend to raise the issue with the OPW and bring my concerns to the attention of the Local Authority. .”
A spokesman for Limerick City and County Council told the Limerick Post that it is in regular contact with the Roche Family to discuss their options.
by Alan Jacques
