Allister suggests linkage between severity of flooding and foolishness of EU regulations
01 September 2008
First published: 30/08/08
Jim Allister, Traditional Unionist MEP, has questioned how far inadequately cleaned waterways and EU restrictions contributed to the severity of the recent flooding.
In a statement Mr Allister said:-
"In the aftermath of the summer flooding I have asked DARD and the River Agency for their assessment of the contribution of inadequately cleaned waterways to the scale of the flooding.
Historically, the relevant statutory agency throughout the countryside had a pro-active programme of regularly cleaning out watercourses. This, I perceive, gave the countryside the optimum opportunity to successfully cope with heavy rainfall.
Now, it seems, eco-driven concerns are inhibiting effective cleaning of watercourses. In consequence, it seems to me, the efficiency of many watercourses to cope with heavy rainfall has been reduced and additional flooding is resulting. It really is a sorry situation if protecting the eco-system of the water rat is prioritised above ensuring our countryside has the most efficient drainage system attainable! It certainly wouldn't be the first time that foolish EU regulation has turned common sense on its head and left ordinary citizens to bear the consequences.
I have also pressed the Department on the need for expeditious remedial works on some of our rivers to deal with the legacies of the flooding, including situations where bank protections have been disturbed and erosion is resulting. If sufficient funds are not in hand to meet necessary remedial works, then DARD must press DFP for additional resources, either as part of the quarterly monitoring or otherwise."
