An application now needs to be made to the Department of the Environment for special flood relief funding for Westport – that’s according to local Councillor Christy Hyland.

Earlier this week, OPW officials told councillors in the West Mayo Municipal District that they would NOT be carrying out flood relief works in Westport Town as they would not be cost-beneficial.

In December 2015, heavy rainfall caused the Carrowbeg river in Westport to swell, resulting in widespread flooding.

Councillors were told, at their monthly meeting this week, that flood prevention works for Westport would cost in the region of 1 million euro, but this exceeds the 650,000 euro in damages that’s estimated would be caused by an extreme flooding event – therefore the works would not be carried out.

Independent Councillor Christy Hyland says he will be putting down a motion at the next meeting of the Municipal District, requesting that the council executive apply to the Department of Environment for special flood relief funding