Green light for phase two of Ennis Flood Scheme

FURTHER detail on the progress of phase two of the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme has been outlined.

In recent weeks, Deputy Joe Carey has held discussions with Minister of State at the Department of Finance Brian Hayes with special responsibility for the OPW in relation to the scheme. In spite of the straitened economic times, Deputy Carey said a clear political will exists to ensure vital infrastructure such as the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme is progressed.
“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 Conroadmore, Cappahard and Clarecastle areas. Work will also take place on embankment and wall construction to protect the Fior Uisce and Aughanteeroe estates,” he said.
“The current status of the scheme is that tenders have been received and evaluated. The scheme will be put forward for confirmation to the Department of Finance once consultation with Government departments ends. The total length of planned works will take 18 months and the final budget will be announced once contracts have been negotiated.
“I want to welcome the commitment and understanding by my Government colleagues towards this project. These major works will prevent the historic flooding problem, which 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 livelihoods,” Deputy Carey concluded.