Failure To Dredge Rivers And Streams Rests On Irish Govt - Ní Riada

Clarification that the Irish Government is at fault for not adequately dredging rivers and streams has been welcomed by Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada.

According to Mrs Ní Riada, the European Commission has clearly stated EU Directives "do not ban dredging rivers or streams, and there is nothing in either the Water Framework, Floods, Birds or Habitats Directives that prevent dredging."

"Such works would be permissible under EU law in order to protect lives or property, or in the overriding public interest, should the Government wish to undertake them," she said.

"The failure by successive governments over the years to adequately maintain rivers and streams, and to undertake necessary local prevention works has proven disastrous. The rush to blame the EU, or the complexities of interagency cooperation at home just add insult to injury. This Fine Gael and Labour Government, and the Fianna Fáil one previous, must take the blame."

Mrs Ní Riada repeated her call to the Irish Government to seek assistance from the EU Solidarity Fund, in order to aid in the clean-up operation as well as families and businesses affected by recent flooding.

(LM)