Former Tipperary South TD praised for securing flood relief funding

Tributes were paid at a meeting of Clonmel Borough District to the former Tipperary South TD and former Minister of State, Dr Martin Mansergh, who died recently.

Leading the tributes, Cllr Siobhán Ambrose said that Martin Mansergh had ring-fenced €50 million for the flood relief scheme that had solved Clonmel’s flooding problems.

Large areas of the town had suffered severe flooding for years whenever there was intense and sustained rainfall.
Several areas were submerged in water after the River Suir burst its banks, which often resulted in the Army being called upon to evacuate residents worst hit by the flooding.

However, the flooding was consigned to the past once the flood relief scheme was undertaken around 2010-2012.
Cllr Ambrose also praised Dr Mansergh’s role as a peacemaker. Without his contribution and that of other people, the peace process in Northern Ireland wouldn’t have happened.

READ NEXT: Tipperary is one of the top global holiday destinations for 2026, according to Lonely Planet

She recalled the times when he was taken blindfolded and driven to secret locations to meet people wearing balaclavas.
What he did for peace was “phenomenal,” she said.

Cllr Richie Molloy said they all remembered Martin Mansergh fondly, especially for his work on the flood alleviation scheme in Clonmel. He had a great career.

SEE MORE: Muintir na Tire in Tipperary celebrates 40 years of Community Alert

Cllr John FitzGerald recalled that he had visited Dr Mansergh at his home in Killiney in Dublin this time last year.

He always struck him as a man of simplicity. He had never sought any great recognition for the work he did, especially for the flood relief scheme in Clonmel.

He was a statesman in every sense of the word, said Cllr FitzGerald.

The Mayor, Pat English, said he was a true gentleman who never had a bad word to say about anyone.

The amount of work he did in the background for the peace process was unbelievable.

There wouldn’t have been a peace process without him and others, he said.

Sympathy was expressed to Dr Mansergh’s family, and a minute’s silence was observed at the meeting as a mark of respect.