Local politicians have welcomed confirmation that Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD is to visit Roscommon to view the ongoing flooding crisis at Lough Funshinagh in person. The Tánaiste plans to make the visit on Wednesday, May 22nd.
Among those welcoming the news was Independent councillor Laurence Fallon, who said it was in response to an invitation he had extended. Senator Eugene Murphy has also welcomed news of Deputy Martin’s planned visit, which he said was delivery on a commitment given to him (Senator Murphy).
Senator Murphy said that Tanàiste Micheál Martin will visit and meet with the people of Lough Funshinagh area and Curraghboy village following a commitment given to him over a month ago: “I am glad Micheál Martin is honouring his word to me and to the local community”, he said.
“In the meantime, it would be great if the Government found the space to bring forward legislation to ensure water could be drained from the lake.
“I spent a few hours in Curraghboy area recently – meeting families – and they are scared out of their minds. The water is beginning to engulf that area and if that village falls to the flood, there will be great frustration from the public”, he stated.
For his part, Cllr Fallon said: “The situation at Lough Funshinagh was at crisis point when I wrote to the three leaders of Government over a month ago. The situation has escalated even further since then, with more homes at high risk of flooding, another road closed, and farmyards and land destroyed.
“While I welcome the fact that the Tanaiste has accepted my invitation, that visit is still three weeks away and this is an emergency situation which needs emergency intervention. I am urging the three Government leaders – the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and leader of the Green Party – to find an immediate solution to the devastation that is unfolding here,” stated Cllr Fallon.
