Ennis flood prevention measures in the pipeline

With many parts of Ennis still counting the cost of the recent flooding, the Office of Public Works is set to approve a number of flood prevention measures.

Among the measures proposed is an undertaking to make a number of minor changes to the River Fergus Lower (Ennis) Certified Drainage Scheme.
Funding is also to be made available to Clare County Council to carry out works at Aughanteeroe, with the OPW willing to extend works in the area to provide flood alleviation measures to the Fioruisce Estate.
According to Deputy Timmy Dooley, the OPW also indicated they would look favourably on an application by Clare County Council to have the outfall from the industrial estate carried across the Gort Road.
In relation to Watery Road, Clare County Council has been asked to submit a separate application for works to be progressed by them and if no inordinate or unforeseen costs are discovered, it is anticipated that funding will be made available.
“I know that this news will be a great relief to the residents in the areas concerned,” said Deputy Dooley.
“They have gone through a very difficult few months because of the flooding and while efforts are being made to get life back to normal, it is vital we do everything we can to ensure these problems don’t happen again.
“In relation to the minor changes expected to be made to the River Fergus Lower (Ennis) Certified Drainage Scheme, the OPW has indicated to me that they have received a report on the competition to pre-qualify contractors for this scheme. However, because the tender documents need to be modified, this process will be slightly delayed but tenders will be invited within the month and the OPW has said that works will begin in late spring or early summer,” he maintained.