Public need to report blocked gullies says Alliance Councillor Jill Truesdale
Alliance Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale has called on members of the public to report blocked gullies to the NI Direct website.
Cllr Truesdale said: “At last weeks flood resilience meeting it was impressed upon residents to report blocked gullies through the NI Direct website.
“This is a faster method of reporting, however, there are gullies which are repeatedly reported and still stay blocked. For many years I have reported two blocked gullies at the entrance to Riverside Park and Tipperary Woods and today they are still completely impacted.
“The member of the public beside me asked why the gullies in her park, Slieve Shannagh, Tullybrannigan, have also stayed blocked for years, despite residents repeated reporting.
“Keeping gullies free from debris is critical to prevent localised flooding and to protect infrastructure. When autumn leaves, silt, rubbish, or twigs block a gully, water cannot drain away from the surface.
“It also reduces road safety hazards as standing water can cause vehicles to aquaplane, hide dangerous potholes, and force pedestrians to step into traffic to avoid deep puddles.
“It is also crucial to protect property and foundations as blocked drains can cause water to back up, overflowing into nearby gardens, garages, or building foundations, which leads to costly water damage.”
Jill also said she decided to take a look at Slieve Shannagh as she had been told five out of the eight gullies were blocked.
“Sure enough five gullies were completely blocked, and not only that, one of the cracks in a very poor road surface had been like it so long there was literally a garden forming in the middle of the road.
‘Slieve Shannagh sits below the mountain travelling down to the lower Shan Slieve Drive.
“It is only natural that these avenues will be full of leaves and pine needles but any resultant debris from poor road surfaces will also end up blocking gullies.
“I did say at the resilience meeting it was difficult to understand why Newcastle would only get a once-a-year clean when we have so much more to contend with given our geographical position.
“Clearing blocked gullies serves as a major preventive measure against the potentially devastating consequences of excessive rainwater.
“Debris removal in drainage systems ensures unobstructed flow of water, averting drainage issues that can result in flooding and blockages.
“It is incumbent on all of us to notice gullies, which are the first line of defence, before it reaches an impaction stage, especially if it is outside your property.
“If it can be cleared safely of leaves and debris, it can assist in preventing localised flooding.
“However, if it is not draining or impacted, report to NI Direct under ‘blocked gully’ “.
