Minister welcomes progress on Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme

Mr Kevin 'Boxer' Moran TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief, was in Athlone today to witness works at Canal Walk, which is part of Flood Cell 1 – Deerpark flood alleviation works. These works are part of the eight cells being progressed as part of the €12 million Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Speaking at the event Minister Moran said:

"I am delighted to be here today to oversee the progress of works at Canal Walk, which is a vital component of the overall works on the Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme."

The flood defences at the Deerpark Flood Cell will include the construction of flood walls, earthen embankments, sheet piling, a new bridge and the installation of flood gates and culverts which will run from Athlone Lock to West Lodge in Athlone. Embankment works and sheet piling are progressing well and should be completed by the end of 2020.

The Minister concluded:

"I continue to be satisfied that significant progress is being made in the implementation of all elements of the Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme. It is a credit to all of those involved with the project to be making such progress and I wish to thank Westmeath County Council, the consultants RPS and the staff of the OPW for their continuing commitment and effort in implementing this Scheme."

ENDS

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Notes to the Editor:

Deerpark – Sheet piling completed at The Showgrounds and now commencing at Canal Walk. Further sheet piling planned for Clonown Road to be completed in Q1 2020.

The Strand – Wolf Tone Terrace section of floodwall defence completed along with temporary reinstatement works involving paths and soft landscaping.

Griffith Street section of floodwall commenced. Investigative slit trenches ongoing at The Strand. First phase of ESB diversion works complete – more works required for The Strand. Two flood gates to be installed early in 2020.

The Quay – 90% of RC wall now complete on the Quays. Drainage works complete up to Athlone castle and masonry cladding tender to be awarded shortly. Works on Wall 11 are 80% complete. Five flood gates to be installed early in 2020.

Brick Island – Priory Park RC wall completed along with associated land drain. Priory Park garden reinstatement completed. Jolly mariner RC flood defence wall completed.

Brick island RC flood gate wall completed. Two flood gates to be installed early in 2020.

Marine View – Marine View enabling works for safe access at the river section ongoing with commencement of flood walls to commence in January 2020. 70% of embankment works in Wansboro Park completed.