TG4 documentary "Tuilte" examines floods and effects of global warming in Ireland

"Tuilte," a new hour-long TG4 documentary, examines the risk of flooding in Ireland's coastal and low-lying regions, as sea levels rise, rainfall increases and storm events become more ferocious. 

"Tuilte", which means "Flooded" in Irish, will show the personal stories of those affected by Ireland's changing climate and recent floodings in Galway, Donegal, Antrim, and Monaghan.

The new documentary will air on TG4 on February 21 at 9:30 pm on the TG4 iPlayer.

Created by Dearcán Media, “Tuilte" points out that at least 40% of Ireland's population lives within 5 km / 3.1 miles from the coast. It is estimated that 70,000 Irish addresses are at risk of coastal flooding by 2050.

The documentary makers spoke with residents in Donegal who suffered serious damage during the August 2017 flooding. They also interviewed Galway Labour councilor and businessman Niall McNelis whose jewelry shop is located at the Spanish Arch in Galway  City. The area has been badly flooded six times over 21 years of business, damaging the property and stock. McNelis opens up on the toll this has taken on his mental health in recent years.

The filmmakers also profile communities aiming to implement sustainable practices to mitigate the effects of flooding and improve water management.

These parties include Trish Murphy and the Inishowen Trust, who discuss “innovative nature-based solutions to ‘Slow the Flow’” in the documentary. They also interview the Belfast environmentalist, Aaron Kelly, who is on a mission to rewild the Black Mountain, providing a tree canopy for wildlife which will also soak up rain during heavy rainfall.

Also in interviews Connemara-based artist, Ríonach Ní Néill, reveals her fears for the future, and Micheál Ó Cinnéide a Co-founder of Corrib Beo partnership, a voluntary group that promotes the sustainable development of the Corrib catchment.

As BNN puts it, "From lost homes and livelihoods to the psychological scars left behind, the documentary does not shy away from the human cost of these disasters. Yet, amidst the tales of loss, there's a resilient spirit, a testament to the indomitable will of those determined to rise above the waters.

They add "As 'Tuilte' journeys through the stories of devastation and resilience, it also casts an eye toward the future, emphasizing the urgent need for ambitious action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Interviews with figures like Niall McNelis, Ríonach Ní Néill, and Micheál Ó Cinnéide not only provide insights into the challenges faced but also into the innovative solutions being pursued."

Watch the trailer for TG4's "Tuilte" here:

*"Tuilte" will be broadcast on Wednesday, February 21st at 9:30 pm on TG4 and will be available on TG4's iPlayer.