City official defends future flood defences at Leisureland

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A city official has defended the future flood defences of the Leisureland complex.
Director of Services Tom Connell brought a report on the Salthill flood damaged amenity to a special meeting at City Hall last evening.
The Director detailed flood defence measures such as the development of an earth mound on Rockbarton Road and the provision of flood gates across the pedestrian access along the Prom.
Independent Cllr Catherine Connolly questioned if flood defences would be sufficient and if a pumping system would be put in place for any future events.
Sinn Fein Cllr Cathal O’Conchuir queried where water run off would go if flood gates are installed across the pedestrian access at the prom raising concerns for nearby residential areas.
Mr Connell said such water can be managed and will be dispersed without causing issue in other locations.
He said there is no pumping system in place but that under the emergency plan, that option will be examined.
Fine Gael Cllr Padraig Conneely argued that a better business approach was needed based on a report which, he claimed, found the facility had a more ‘civil service’ approach.
Labour Cllr Billy Cameron shared this management concern and queried why it couldn’t be run in a similar basis to the Town Hall or the Black Box.
He said a new vision was needed to bring it back to the standard it had when it initially opened over 40 years ago.
Members were also advised that there is money outstanding from the former operators of the amusement park after the query was tabled by Fine Gael Cllr Pearce Flannery.
Director Connell conceded this was being pursued through the relevant channels.
The final target date for the completion of all rehabilation works is early Decemeber.
Detailed costings could not be provided as the insurance claim is being processed.