Louth Council condemns removal of flood prevention sandbags in Ardee

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Louth County Council has expressed “disappointment” after sandbags put in place to protect homes in Ardee were taken from the scene during recent severe weather.

A number of one-tonne sandbags had been positioned along the N2 Drogheda Road on Thursday to divert running water from an overflowing stream away from nearby properties.

However, during a location check on Friday morning, council crews, working alongside colleagues from the Office of Public Works (OPW), discovered that three of the sandbags had been taken overnight.

While no damage was caused to properties in the area, the council said the removal of the sandbags could have had serious consequences.

Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District, Cllr Dolores Minogue, described the incident as “very disappointing”.

“Everyone at Louth County Council has been working hard to protect residents, properties and businesses during the recent bad weather, and it is upsetting to think that somebody would carry out such a mindless act that may have caused significant damage to members of the community,” she said.

Louth County Council confirmed that the matter has been reported to An Garda Síochána and is currently under investigation.