The Office of Public Works (OPW) has been slammed for refusing to attend a meeting with Galway County Council to discuss a flood risk plan for residents in Headford, Ballinasloe and Portumna.

Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Galway East Councillor Anne Rabbitte is being forced to work off draft maps and is unable to to put together a plan.

She said: "As a result of this lack of co-operation the council has been left in the dark as to how to proceed with an effective flood plan. I am extremely concerned that homes in Galway are at risk of flooding, but the Council is unable to put a proper plan in place because the OPW has failed to provide concrete maps. The OPW is also refusing to put forward any solutions to deal with the issue.

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"This is causing the council to be over-cautious in their estimations of houses at risk of flooding- bringing in houses from the fringes that were not affected by flooding in 2009. Not one house in Portumna flooded in 2009, yet now maps show 117 at risk. This will have a major impact on the owners of these homes with regard to insurance costs and resale opportunities but the OPW or the Department of the Environment are refusing to co-operate with the Council on this.

"Ministers Harris and Kelly need to step up to the mark and take charge of the situation. I am calling on them to provide concrete maps so that the Council can draw up a credible flood risk plan, and for them to assist in the process to ensure that workable solutions can be put in place for the businesses and homes that fall within flood risk areas."

(CD/LM)