With extreme high tides predicted for around midnight and midday from January 22 to 24, the call has been made for volunteers to help with flood protection in Castletown.
Areas of the town were deluged during high tides last January – and now MHK Richard Ronan said they have used that experience and adopted a ‘sensible and pragmatic’ approach to the predicted tides, which will be even higher than last year.
‘We are having a dry run with barriers on Friday (January 16) with the Department of Infrastructure, commissioners, myself and residents to give them reassurance that the mechanisms in place are right for the high tides,’ he said. ‘Flood barriers will be by Qualtrough’s timber yard and behind The Ship Inn. Also involved will be civil defence, the coastguard and police, and many volunteers will be there to help.’
The harbour area known as the lake (by the timber yard) will also be dredged today (Thursday) to help with the flow of water.
A flood specialist consultant has also been engaged and their report on long term flood protection of the town is due to be distributed and will be discussed at a public meeting next month.
‘We cannot now leave this [flood risk] to chance – we have got to take it seriously. Climate change faces us all.’
He said the long term solution will have ‘cost implications’ but did not want to reveal more ahead of publication of the report.
To volunteer, phone 825005.