The Minister for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran, visited Passage East this morning following severe flooding in the village last weekend.
The flooding caused damage to homes and businesses and left residents demanding urgent action.
Minister Moran met flood victims at Passage East Community Centre.
He was accompanied by Government Chief Whip and Minister of State Mary Butler, Minister of State John Cummins, and senior officials from Waterford City and County Council.
Sinn Féin TD for Waterford David Cullinane also attended the meeting.
Brook Overflow Floods Homes and Streets
The flooding occurred after a brook above Passage East burst its banks during a Status Yellow weather warning for Waterford.
Heavy rain caused water to surge into the village in a short period of time.
Homes in the Brookside area suffered significant damage.
Floodwater also spread through Post Office Square and other parts of the village.
Residents said water entered properties rapidly and caused extensive damage.
Prolonged Rainfall Increased Flood Risk
Waterford and the wider south east experienced excessive rainfall in recent weeks.
Met Éireann issued several rain warnings as conditions deteriorated.
Saturated ground, high river levels, and coastal tides combined to increase flood risk.
These conditions contributed directly to the brook overflowing into Passage East.
With further rain forecast for this week.
Council Warned of Risk Before Flooding
Councillors for the aree said the risk posed by the brook had been raised with Waterford City and County Council days before the flooding occurred, as the brook has caused recurring problems for Passage East over many years.
Residents repeated those concerns during the meeting.
Many said the flooding was predictable and avoidable.
Frustration and Anger at Public Meeting
Residents challenged Waterford Council Chief Executive Sean McKeown during the meeting.
Tensions rose when he said the flooding had not been predicted.
Many residents rejected that view.
They said the brook should have been addressed long ago.
Mr McKeown confirmed the council will carry out a review of its response to flooding in Passage East and other affected areas across Waterford.
No Immediate Fix Promised by OPW Minister
Speaking after the meeting, Minister Moran said he could not promise an immediate fix.
He pointed to Individual Property Protection measures, such as flood gates, as a short-term option.
Residents said floodwater entered through walls and floors, not just doorways.
They argued flood gates will not solve the wider problem.
Minister Moran said Waterford City and County Council has advanced work on a long-term solution.
He said the issue will be addressed, but it will take time.
Flood Insurance Also Under Review
Minister Moran said he will examine how insurance companies deal with flood cover nationwide.
He confirmed discussions will take place with Minister of State Robert Troy.
He referred to a system in Britain where insurers and the State work together to protect homes at risk of flooding.
That scheme supports hundreds of thousands of properties that would otherwise remain uninsurable.
Ongoing Flood Risk for Waterford
Met Éireann continues to warn of a risk of flooding due to persistent rain forecast next week, but that a colder snap is due from Friday.
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