Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran welcomes the approval of funding for the River Fergus (Ennis South) Flood Relief Scheme

Kevin Moran TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief, was in Ennis today to meet with Clare County Council officials and elected representatives and receive a briefing on flooding issues in the county. During his visit, the Minister announced that the Office of Public Works has approved funding for Clare County Council to construct the River Fergus (Ennis South) Flood Relief Scheme.

In making the announcement, Minister Moran said:

"The effects of flooding are devastating and can be long-lasting for communities and Ennis is no exception, having suffered serious flooding in the past. I have seen the extent of damage that can happen during a flood event and I am delighted that the approval of funding for this Scheme will enable the construction of this major programme of works on the River Fergus. When completed, the Scheme will afford protection to over 120 residential properties, 5 commercial properties, and Saint Flannan’s College Secondary School, from the 1 in 100-year flood event.”

The Minister went on to say:

“Ennis has a long record of flooding from storm surges, heavy rainfall and extreme river flows. The Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme is the final main programme of works needed to provide full flood protection for Ennis following on the major works undertaken on the Ennis Upper and Lower Schemes. The Ennis South Scheme which is now advancing to construction stage is estimated to cost €8.6 million and will bring total investment in flood relief in Ennis to €39 million.”

Minister Moran concluded:

“This project will add to the record number of 34 flood relief schemes that are currently underway across the country. The existing and planned expenditure on flood relief measures represents an unprecedented level of investment by the Government to protect individuals, families, communities and businesses throughout the country against the most serious risk and impact of flooding. This investment forms part of the Ireland 2040 National Development Plan, which will invest €1 billion in initiatives to protect threatened localities from river and coastal flood risk over the next ten years. I look forward to returning to Ennis to see the completed Scheme in due course.”

ENDS

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Notes to the Editor:

The town of Ennis, Co Clare, lies on the River Fergus. Ennis has a long record of flooding from storm surges, heavy rainfall and extreme river flows.

The River Fergus (Ennis South) Flood Relief Scheme has evolved through an initial screening process of a range of potential measures typically considered for flood alleviation schemes, the development of potential options and finally the development of a preferred scheme design.

The River Fergus (Ennis) Upper certified Drainage Scheme was completed in 2010, with the River Fergus (Ennis) Lower Certified Drainage Scheme currently substantially complete. The River Fergus (Ennis South) Flood Relief Scheme is designed to complete the suite of flood defences in Ennis.