Residents of Dodder View Cottages, Ballsbridge gathered to mark the completion of a 40 ft knitted ‘flood wall’ art installation aimed at highlighting their ongoing vulnerability to flooding and their inability to get flood insurance. A ceremony held on Saturday 20th October marked the end of a traumatic 12 months for the community who had scores of families washed out of their homes by flooding this time last year.
Over the last six months about 20 locals got together to knit the symbolic flood wall. The brightly coloured design reflects the dangerous aspect of the rivers velocity flood map. Ballsbridge Dodder Residents Committee came up with the idea as a way of showing its support for Dublin City Council’s plan for improved flood defences along the Dodder. “We are worried people may put in objections,” artist Martina O’Brien told NewsFour. “I don’t think they understand what it’s like to have your home flooded.”
Home owners face the anguish of knowing they can’t get house insurance because they are in a high risk flood area while living in fear of further flooding. With 1100 signatures to date on their petition the campaign is relying on the support of the public to counteract possible objections to the planning submission. “Some people have said they wouldn’t be able to see the Dodder (when the flood wall is extended) but I’ve seen it in my living room and I don’t want to see it again,” campaigner Deirdre Bollane explained.
In attendance were Lord Mayor Naoise O’Muiri, Fine Gael TDs Lucinda Creighton and Eoghan Murphy, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan and Labour TD Kevin Humphries. Chairman Kevin Duggan reminded those assembled that before the flood inadequate risk assessment was carried out.A situation which contributed to 100 tons of blocked debris creating a dam at Lansdowne Bridge which forced water back up the Dodder and into their houses.
For more information contact martinalobrien@gmail.com
By Rupert Heather
