Pedestrians 'getting drowned' on footpaths amid heavy rain in Waterford

Pedestrians are “being drowned” whilst walking on footpaths in Waterford city amid recent heavy rain, a council meeting has heard.

Independent councillor Donal Barry raised the issue during the November Metropolitan District meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

Cllr Barry said: “Can the council look to review the gullies on Barrack Street on the shop side?

“There’s been heavy rain there and the gullies are not sufficient to take the rain. What’s happening is the water is slowing down in waves and pedestrians are getting drowned as they walk on the footpath there.

“Just looking at it, the gullies just seem to be way too small and not capable of [handling] the water.”

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He also raised similar issues near the former Ulster Bank building on the Quay.

“Just outside the Ulster Bank on the Quay, there has been heavy rain there. People can’t cross from one side of the road to the other, particularly people in wheelchairs.

“The street is just flooded there. The gully is raised up and the water is flowing down into an indent in the road, so can that be looked at for some improvement there?”

In response to Cllr Barry, Executive Engineer Alan O’Shea said that the council are aware of the issues in both locations.

Mr O’Shea said: “On the Ulster Bank gully, we’re aware it needs to be moved and we’ll try and get it done in the next few weeks, before Winterval kicks off in earnest.

“On the gullies on Barrack Street, it’s actually Irish Water that has a leak. They’re aware of a leak somewhere on Barrack Street which is actually flooding the gullies.

“So once they’re leaks are fixed, the gullies should be okay. We’ve [installed] two extra gullies on Bunkers Hill in the last few weeks as well to try and deal with some of that.”

Later in the meeting, independent councillor Joe Kelly also raised the issue of blocked gullies.

Cllr Kelly said: “The gullies in Hillview are mostly blocked with not only leaves, but I suppose muck over the years.

“It’s started to flood the streets in Hillview, particularly some of the lower tilt areas when there’s heavy rain.

“I’m wondering if we can get the suction machine up or something up to clean that.”

In response, Mr O'Shea said that the council would look into the issue.