Tipperary TD believes Clonmel can be a template to resolve flooding around the country

Clonmel is the template for what can be achieved to combat flooding around the country Tipperary TD Deputy Seamus Healy told Dáil Éireann.

"Clonmel is the good news story eventually where flooding is concerned. We have our flood defences on the basis of a one-in-100-years flood that happened previously and they have stood the test of time over the past ten to 12 years, much to the relief of householders and businesses right across the town. However, it took forever to get them. I hope that the Midleton's and Enniscorthy's do not have to wait as long or endure numerous more floods before defences are put in place.

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Clonmel has a history of flooding that dates way back. The River Suir consistently flooded the town, hundreds of homes and businesses from the Old Bridge right along the Quays and up to Irishtown. My grandfather Patsy Meaney worked for Clonmel Corporation in the gasworks on the old Waterford Road in Clonmel. He had to go to work by boat from the steps of the town hall in the highest recorded flood in 1925. Fast forward 70 years to 9 February 1995, and his grandson - myself - as Mayor of Clonmel, emerged from a successful public meeting called to stop the closure of Kickham Barracks in the town, only to find that I couldn't get home to the Old Bridge area due to flooding. I had to be transported by the Army in a lorry and thanks the Army for that, they did tremendous work over the years.

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The campaign for flood defences started that night, but it took 17 long years - too long - far too long - too much hardship and too much damage to homes and businesses. Clonmel is a template of what can and what must be done. The Office of Public Works must take Clonmel as the template, and must significantly shorten the time it takes to put schemes in place," Deputy told Dáil Éireann in a debate on the flooding around the country.