Second phase of flood relief scheme imminent

THE second phase of the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme should be underway “in the not too distant future” with the tender process for the €12.8 million project at an “advanced stage”, according to senior engineer Tom Tiernan.

The original drainage scheme to prevent flooding in Ennis was split into two phases, with phase one completed in 2009.
Phase two’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.
At this month’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, it was outlined that the Office of Public Works are awaiting the pre-contract documentation from the preferred bidder.
“The OPW will be in a position to proceed with the award of the contract once this is received,” stated Eamon O’Dea, senior executive engineer.
At this week’s meeting of Ennis Electoral Area councillors, senior engineer Mr Tiernan said every area affected by flooding in 2009 is being looked at by the local authority.
He outlined that a number of works are being carried out throughout Ennis to deal with flooding and confirmed that the second phase of the flood relief scheme is at an advanced stage in the tendering process.
“An awful lot is happening but it might not be visible on the ground,” he commented.
At the Ennis Town Council meeting, Mr O’Dea detailed ongoing works on flood relief in the town.
He confirmed that the Lough Girroga Flood Relief Scheme (Gort Road Industrial Estate) has been awarded and accepted by Conwell Ltd. The work will start this month and the contract is expected to finish by early December.
The part eight planning procedure for the Fioruisce works started in August and will be on display until October 7, with submissions by October 21. This will be put before the council for consideration in November and the tender process will follow.
Site investigations for the flood relief scheme in Watery Road / Elm Park are underway and tender documents are expected to be ready by the end of September. The commencement date of these works will be dependent on river levels.
The council has a temporary pumping system for the storm drain in place at Watery Road to cater for high river levels until permanent work are in place. Mr O’Dea added that the council monitors the Fergus and Claureen River levels.
He went on to outline that detailed design is nearing completion on the St Flannan’s / Tobairteascain – Ballybeg Lake Flood Relief Works and this will proceed to part eight once approval is given by the OPW to detailed design.
Site investigation works are in progress.