Still unresolved issues from Shass Mountain landslide

Special funding is being sought as a “matter of urgency” for the drainage of rivers and drains following the Shass Mountain landslide in June 2020. Councillor Mary Bohan brought the motion this week and said “some houses and lands are in danger of flooding” as a result of silt and peat still in the drains and rivers.

The local authority suggested, “where properties are at risk of flooding an application can be made to the OPW for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation scheme. This area will be investigated to see if it is applicable for such an application.”
But Cllr Bohan, backed by Cllr Padraig Fallon, said an application under that scheme would not be suitable. She urged that a “special package is needed.” Cllr Bohan also noted that the task force dealing with Shass Mountain had agreed to meet again this year but this has not happened.
Cllr Bohan said she walked some of the affected lands with local farmers and the build up in the river and drains is “frightening to look at.”

Cllr Padraig Fallon who also met with farmers to see the damage said, “works are badly needed here.”
He said the river needs a serious clean, and commented there are “over 100 places” clogged up with debris and it requires action. Cllr Bohan exclaimed that the debris is “dangerous to livestock and humans.”
She noted that the council did a “fantastic job” on the roads around the area when funding was delivered quickly, she also acknowledged the recent compensation to farmers which was welcome but this remaining issue “needs special action.”
The landslide from Shass Mountain, near Drumkeeran in June 2020, saw over 36 hectares of agriculture and forestry land covered in C.160,000 tonnes of peat and vegetation, rendering it unworkable and destroying farming structures and forestry plantations.

Manorhamilton Municipal District will now write to the Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Public Expenditure and the OPW as well as Minister Noonan who was Chairperson of the Task Force seeking a final resolution to the damage caused by the landslide over two years ago.