‘We need to prepare for winter storms now:’ Louth TD urges interim flood defences for coast
Louth TD Erin McGreehan has called for “interim, short‑term flood defence measures” to protect coastal communities following meetings with residents living along the coastline from north Louth to Baltray.
Deputy McGreehan recently met with the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, where she raised concerns about what she described as “the ongoing and increasing flood risk along the Louth coastline” and urged that immediate action be taken.
“What I am calling for is that the OPW and Government use the significant investment committed to flood relief to also deliver interim measures,” she said.
“These short‑term interventions are essential to mitigate flood damage and provide protection for households and businesses while longer‑term solutions are being developed.”
The Fianna Fáil TD said there was an urgent need to act ahead of the coming winter months, warning against a repeat of severe weather events experienced earlier this year.
“We need to begin preparing now for the coming winter season. We cannot wait to react again next January,” she said.
“Interim measures must begin early in the year to allow time for works to be completed before weather conditions become more unpredictable.”
Deputy McGreehan confirmed she will be working closely with Louth County Council in the months ahead to help secure the necessary support and resources.
“I will be supporting local authorities in their engagement with the Department and the Minister, so that they can get the resources needed to deliver these interim measures,” she said.
She noted that €154.1 million has been committed to flood relief works in County Louth, with major projects in Ardee, Drogheda and Carlingford currently progressing at various stages.
While welcoming the scale of the investment, Deputy McGreehan said the focus must also extend to measures that can be delivered in the short term.
“Significant funding has been committed to reduce the impact of flooding and coastal erosion, but these works are at different stages of development,” she said.
“In the long term, these projects will help protect the coastline, but there is an immediate need for interim measures that can be delivered in the coming months ahead of autumn.”
She said coastal communities need practical solutions that bridge the gap between long‑term flood defence plans and the immediate risks they continue to face.