€4m Ennis flood relief works approved by An Bord Pleanála

AN Bord Pleanála has approved an application from Clare County Council to construct the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme which, when completed, will deliver flood defences in Clonroadmore, Ballybeg and Clareabbey.
The works include a flood overflow culvert from St Flannan’s Stream to Clareabbey and from Ballybeg Stream to the Clareabbey flood plain, and an upgrade of the existing flood defence embankment between the Quin Road and the Clarecastle tidal barrage.  The estimated cost of the project is €4 million.
Mayor of Ennis Councillor Peter Considine described the scheme as another important step in the delivery of extensive flood defences throughout Ennis town and surrounding areas.
“I wish to pay tribute to Clare Local Authorities for delivering on the recommendations contained in the Ennis Main Drainage & Flood Study Preliminary Report. Ennis was badly affected by flooding in late 2009 and this scheme, along with other ongoing and scheduled works across Ennis, will greatly help to reduce the threat of future flooding.
“I hope that the Office of Public Works can now grant early funding approval and an early start date for the vitally important Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme project,” Councillor Considine said.
Tom Tiernan, senior engineer with Clare County Council, said works completed under the scheme will significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the St Flannan’s College, Ballybeg and Tobertaoscain areas of Ennis, which experienced serious flooding following heavy rains in November 2009.
The announcement comes just three weeks after Minister of State at the Department of Finance (OPW), Brian Hayes, signed a contract with Wills Bros Ltd of Foxford, County Mayo, for the construction of the River Fergus Lower (Certified) Drainage Scheme Contract, which will see flood defences being installed from the bridge at Bank Place in the town centre to Doora Bridge in Clarecastle. 
Flood relief works are also underway in the Watery Road  and Elm Park areas of the town after Ennis Town Council signed a contract with Ward & Burke Construction Ltd in January.