A contract has been signed to begin work on a detailed design and implementation of a Flood Relief Scheme in Mountmellick, a town that has been badly hit in recent years.
The contract is between Laois County Council and JBA Consulting JB Barry and Partners to advance the detailed design and implementation of the Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme.
At the signing, the Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Councillor William Aird, acknowledged the commitment from the Office of Public Works in providing funding for the Scheme.
All local representatives very much welcomed this particular milestone and urged that the Scheme be advanced as quickly as possible.
Paul McLoughlin, Laois County Council’s Project Manager for the Scheme, confirmed that the Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme, identified by the OPW to be in the top 50 priority flood relief schemes for Ireland, is included for completion in the current National Development Plan.
Advancement of the scheme design follows on from a record-breaking flood in Mountmellick November 2017 which gave rise to the inundation of 88 properties and other, significant, infrastructural damage and economic loss.
Speaking at the contract signing, Simon Walton, Director of Services, noted that a Public Engagement Day will be held in the Mountmellick Development Association on the November 13.
The consultant, representatives of the OPW and Laois County Council will be present and available to discuss the 2017 event and would welcome all information, feedback from local people that, in turn, can be used to advise the design process.
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: Legendary Laois teacher retires after 34 years service
