Flood defence measures including embankments and walls are to be built in Mountmellick and Portarlington to protect houses at risk of flooding, it has been confirmed.
Announcing the measures, Minister Charlie Flanagan said recent exceptional heavy rainfall and flooding on the November 22 and 23, particularly in the Mountmellick, Clonaslee and Portarlington areas caused a very difficult situation for many home owners, small business and community/voluntary and sporting organisations in these areas.
“I met with Minister of State Mr Kevin Moran on the night of the flooding to devise a plan to deal with the issues in these towns and to put in place a long term solution to ensure that flooding of this magnitude does not occur again in these areas.
“At my invitation, Minister Moran visited Mountmellick in the aftermath of the flooding to see the devastation first hand,” Minister Flanagan said.
“I am happy to confirm CFRAM has examined flood risk in the towns of Mountmellick and Portarlington and has identified proposed feasible measures to protect properties assessed as being at risk.
“This entails the construction of flood defences, consisting of embankments and walls. The OPW has consulted with communities in Mountmellick and Portarlington to ensure their knowledge, views and concerns in relation to flood risk are taken on board,” Minister Flanagan said.
Urgent
“Laois County Council and the OPW are working together to examine the best way to address urgently the flooding problem in the towns through the Minor Works Scheme.
“I have been assured by Minister Moran and his Department that necessary resources will be provided to ensure these works are carried out,” Minister Flanagan said.
SEE ALSO – Dublin Hospital Group statement on Portlaoise Hospital ‘misleading’
The LaoisToday 2017 Annual is now on sale in bookshops and newsagents around the county – this is where you can buy it
