Louth County Council condemns removal of flood sandbags in Ardee
Incident during severe weather referred to Gardaí
Louth County Council has strongly condemned the removal of flood prevention sandbags that had been put in place to protect homes in Ardee during recent severe weather, confirming the incident has been formally referred to An Garda Síochána.
The sandbags, each weighing approximately one tonne, were positioned along the N2 Drogheda Road on Thursday as part of emergency flood mitigation measures. Their purpose was to divert fast-flowing water from an overflowing stream away from nearby residential properties.
Sandbags discovered missing during inspection
During a routine site inspection on Friday morning, council crews working alongside colleagues from the Office of Public Works (OPW) discovered that three of the sandbags had been removed overnight.
While no damage was ultimately caused to homes in the area, the council has warned that the unauthorised removal of the flood defences could have had very serious consequences, particularly given the ongoing poor weather conditions.
“Mindless act” condemned by local Cathaoirleach
Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District, Cllr Dolores Minogue, described the incident as “very disappointing” and expressed concern for the safety of residents.
“Everyone at Louth County Council has been working extremely hard to protect residents, properties and businesses during the recent bad weather,” she said.
“It is upsetting to think that somebody would carry out such a mindless act, one that could have caused significant damage and distress to members of the community.”
Garda investigation underway
Louth County Council has confirmed that the matter has been reported to An Garda Síochána, and an investigation is now underway into the removal of the sandbags.
Council officials have reiterated that flood prevention measures are put in place solely to protect communities and urged the public to respect emergency infrastructure, particularly during periods of severe weather.
Anyone with information relevant to the incident is encouraged to contact Gardaí.
