Dodder bridge scaffolding not cause of flooding, insists Iarnród Éireann

IARNRÓD ÉIREANN has said scaffolding and sacking the company erected across the Dodder in Ballsbridge, Dublin, was not a critical factor in the flooding of many homes in nearby streets.

The company was commenting after residents produced photographs that appeared to show scaffolding, sacking and debris had formed a substantial barrier across the river.

Damage estimated at millions of euro was caused when the Dodder burst its banks and flooded properties at Ballsbridge Avenue, the Sweepstakes, Dodder View and Herbert Cottages during last month’s torrential downpour.

Now, as the Irish Red Cross Society makes payment from its humanitarian fund to those affected, residents are to hold a public meeting in Crowe’s pub in Ballsbridge tomorrow night to discuss issues raised by the flooding.

Former lord mayor Dermot Lacey, who is organising the meeting, said the meeting was strictly non-political and had been organised in response to residents’ demands.

Many cottages were severely damaged by rising floodwaters with residents – a number of whom are elderly – having to be evacuated. Most are not yet back in their homes.

In the Sweepstake development alone, residents claimed 260 cars were written off when they were submerged by the flood. Amateur photographer John McLoughlin told The Irish Times he had reported to Iarnród Éireann some weeks before the flood that a tree or a large limb of a tree was caught in the scaffolding. He said he asked that it be removed because of the danger of winter floods, but he said it was not taken away.

“In the aftermath of the flooding somebody brought in diggers taking away lorry loads of material which had been caught up in the scaffolding,” he said.

However, Iarnród Éireann spokesman Barry Kenny said the scaffolding was not the problem. He said a deluge of water had come downriver from high ground as far away as Rathfarnham, due to the torrential downpour. Two large trees and other wood had been swept down to the bridge. But he said the scaffolding “was no impediment to the water”. He had seen the pictures but “what they would appear to show did not represent the waterflow along the river”.

He added: “There was no barrier – there was a clear way for water to flow through.” Proof of this was that “upstream and downstream [of the railway bridge] water levels were the same”.

Among the casualties downriver from the bridge was the swimming pool at Marian College. Headmaster Paul Meany said the pool was expected to remain closed at least until Christmas.

As members of Dublin City Council yesterday prepared for a debate on the local authority’s response to the flooding, Pembroke ward councillor Edie Wynn said she would also be going to tomorrow’s meeting. She said there was huge damage done, particularly to cottages in the area, and local residents were very distressed the flooding could happen so quickly, despite the river having a history of flash flooding.

The city council’s flood risk assessment of the Dodder states: “The river Dodder has a history of flooding and is known as a ‘flashy’ river with a quick response to rainstorms.”

The assessment noted the council’s response was to provide flood walls along a length from the bridge at Lansdowne back as far as Donnybrook. This work is ongoing but not complete.