On 6 April 2022 we paid a visit to the upper Carrowbeg River catchment just downstream of Knappabeg Lough. This was a follow-on from the earlier Westport River walk on 26 March when the issue of flooding in Westport was perhaps the main focus of the discussions. As with the Carrowniskey we discussed the potential for natural flood remedies in the upper portion of the catchment.
For an introduction to natural flood control methods it is worth watching a talk by Dr Mary Bourke of TCD given at an Irish Wildlife Trust webinar. The talk “A nature based approach for rivers in Ireland” gives a very clear view of the issues and also suggestions for remedies to reduce flood hazard. Definitely worth a watch.
