Ennis Flood Scheme to continue in September

WORK on phase two of the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme, which last week had €12.8 million in funding sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, is expected to begin in September.
Last Wednesday the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, TD, signed an order to sanction phase two of the drainage scheme to prevent flooding from the River Fergus. Junior Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Brian Hayes, will visit Ennis this Friday to outline further details of the project.
The original drainage scheme to prevent flooding in Ennis was split into two phases, with phase one completed in 2009. This scheme’s successful completion will prevent flooding in the lower part of Ennis.
Works will focus on a geographic area from Bank Place Bridge to the Railway Bridge past Knox’s Bridge and will involve wall repairs and construction, as well as new surface water sewers.
There will be three new surface water pumping stations built together with construction works in the Clonroadmore, Cappahard and Clarecastle areas. Work will also take place on embankment and wall construction to protect the Fíor Uisce and Aughanteeroe estates. The estimated cost of the proposed scheme is €12.8m and will be carried out under the auspices of the Office of Public Works.
In a recent report to members of Ennis Town Council, Eamon O’Dea, town engineer outlined that, on receipt of confirmation of the scheme from the Minister, the OPW anticipate the works will commence in September.
The tender assessment procedure for the Lake Girroga Flood Relief Scheme has been completed and work should begin in August 2011. Site investigation for the Aughanteeroe embankment extension is in progress. The council are proceeding to the Part 8 planning procedure for the Fioruisce works once final design details are confirmed with the OPW, while the Watery Road/Elm Park flood relief scheme is also proceeding to Part 8.
The council has a temporary pumping system for the storm drain in place at the Watery Road to cater for high river levels until the permanent works are in place and levels of the Fergus and Claureen are monitored. Detailed design has also commenced at St Flannan’s/Tobairteascain, Ballybeg Lake Flood Relief Works.
According to Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey the sanctioning of funding for phase two of the scheme makes “economic sense” and will prevent the “historic flooding problem” in the town.
Deputy Carey said, “I am delighted that there is finally some resolution to this issue. These major works will prevent the historic flooding problem that residents and business people in Ennis have endured over many years. This news also comes at a time when the memory of the unprecedented floods of November 2009 which caused so much damage to homes and business premises are so clear in our minds. It makes economic sense to make these investments in preventative measures, rather than face rising insurance costs and major disruption to businesses and livelihood’s.
“It’s most welcome that the Government has backed this scheme and allocated the required €12.8m for its development. The Ennis Flood Relief Scheme Phase Two is a hugely important project for Ennis. I look forward to the project moving to construction as soon as possible,” concluded Deputy Carey.