Residents and businesses in Clonaslee are being encouraged to have their say on the proposed Flood Relief Scheme (FRS) for the village.
Back in November 2017, parts of Clonaslee were destroyed when the River Clodiagh burst its banks.
This scheme is being managed by the Capital Projects Office in Laois County Council, who are working with the Office of Public Works and consultants RPS for the various stages of the scheme.
The purpose of this First Public Information Event is to gather local knowledge and experience of past flooding events and any other insights relating to the study area from members of the public to help assist in the development of the scheme.
Fine Gael Councillor Conor Bergin, who represents the Borris-In-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District, is encouraging people to make their submissions.
He said: “I am encouraging all residents, businesses and landowners in Clonaslee to have their say and assist in the development of a Flood Relief Scheme for the village.
“This consultation, which was launched on Monday is the first in a number of public engagement and consultation events for the scheme.
“Hard copies of the questionnaire and brochure for the study area will be made available to the community in Clonaslee in the coming days.
“Your input is encouraged, and indeed most welcome to assist Laois County Council and the OPW in informing the development of the Flood Relief Scheme for Clonaslee.
“The Council are particularly keen to hear from local people and any interested parties, on any local or environmental considerations in the area which might help inform the proposed scheme.
“Mountmellick, Clonaslee and Portarlington were badly affected by flooding in November 2017 and Laois County Council have made provision for €9.2 million euro in funding for flood relief projects in our capital budget programme, adopted for the next three years.
“This funding was announced by Charlie Flanagan TD, working with former Minister for the OPW Kevin Boxer Moran back in May 2018 and I am pleased to see these plans for major flood relief projects, which are urgently needed in North Laois are progressing.”
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