Tag Archives: flood

DISCUSSIONS are set to begin between the Ennis Municipal District and Office of Public Works on the possibility of automating flood gates at the Maid of Éireann. The local authority confirmed the move as fears were recently raised about the effects increased levels of rainfall on nearby farmland could have on the town’s water supply. However, the council have cautioned that while the automation of these gates is “not impossible” it would be “a very complex process”. Councillor Johnny Flynn, speaking at a meeting of Ennis Municipal District councillors, highlighted his “concern for public health” in Ennis’ water supply if contaminated water from flooded lands was to enter at Drumcliff. He recalled how Ennis households were placed under a boil notice in previous years when cryptosporidium was detected in the water supply. The councillor pointed out that the parasite can spread when animal waste is washed off lands as he called for action to be taken to help prevent flooding …

FEARS that the County Development Plan could be “hindered” by an absence of updated flood maps, and with that future development in Ennis, were expressed at a meeting of Ennis councillors. The issue was highlighted by Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy who urged that the Office of Public Works issue up to date maps to represent the Ennis South Flood Relief Works. She said this is necessary to ensure the council is not impeded in zoning lands for the development of the county capital. “We want to ensure we have adequate zoning of lands for all of our needs, most especially there is a huge demand for housing of all types, not just social housing. I am concerned that in our efforts in drawing up the plan we will be impeded from adequately zoning land because of a lack of maps.” Sean Lenihan, Senior Engineer, responded, “As the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme is not yet officially completed, the updated Flood …

WORKS are underway to provide updated maps outlining the areas benefiting from the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme, the Ennis Municipal District has confirmed. The flood maps may be used to assist the insurance industry in determining the cost and provision of flood cover to homes and businesses in the local area. Details of the works were outlined at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District following a notice of motion by Councillor Paul Murphy. The councillor had sought on update on a response received in February after requesting the municipal district and Clare County Council collaborate  with stakeholders such as Ennis Chamber of Commerce, Ennis Traders Group and Retail Excellence Ireland in preparing a document, detailing the improvements to the flood defence system and outlining how the risk of flooding has been minimised as a result of the works completed. “Information provided in the requested document was to meet the requirements of Insurance providers from a risk management …

Our videos, taken on Sunday afternoon, clearly show that the flood walls around Ennis, built a few years ago at great expense, are allowing water to leak through onto the streets. This first video is around Bank Place, below the bridge. It clearly shows water seeping through at the bottom of the wall. Next, it’s the same story at the Mill wheel, near the Maid of Erin roundabout. Finally, two videos showing the level of the water in the river.

Concerns have been raised in Ennis regarding the  effectiveness of the flood defences in the town, completed over the past few years,  particularly around Abbey Street car park. This afternoon, the Fergus rose to very high levels and water appeared to be getting through the newly built walls, which were designed to hold back floods. Council workers are currently examining the situation. With storm Desmond to continue overnight, further rain and a high tide will only exacerbate the problem. More on Storm Desmond and how it’s affecting Clare here. [doptg id=”86″]

By Dan Danaher SIX performers from South-East Clare are raising their voices to support a relief fund for a community devastated by flooding in Limerick City. Deana Crowe, Alexandra, Eda and Rebecca Kiely from Meelick, Meabh Nolan from Ardnacrusha and Sinead O’Donnell Stolz from Cratloe are all performing in a community opera to raise funds for St Mary’s Parish – Flood Relief Fund. As part of the Limerick City of Culture 2014 celebrations, St Mary’s Cathedral presents the new production of Benjamin Britten’s classic opera Noye’s Fludde (Noah’s Flood ) for six performances from March 28 to April 1. Deana Crowe said, “We’re nervous and excited as it is much a larger production that we realised and there will be over 350 people at each performance but it has been great for my confidence and I’m glad I am part of it.” Eda Kiely said, “My teacher, Cecilia Madden at Ardscoil Mhuire in Corbally encouraged me to audition and I’m …

AS so often happens when there is heavy rain, the railway line between Ennis and Limerick is closed due to flooding and Iarnród Éireann have said it will be at least six weeks until it reopens. In the interim Iarnród Éireann say there will be bus transfers operating, at scheduled train times, and they will also serve Sixmilebridge. Train services between Ennis and Galway will remain as normal. In a statement on Tuesday Iarnród Éireann said; “The line has flooded following a significant increase in water levels at Ballycar Lough due to the recent sustained heavy rainfall, and the slow draining nature of the karst landscape in the area.   Should the recent rainfall patterns persist, this will extend significantly the duration of the closure of the rail line.” The statement also said; “Iarnród Éireann had raised the track level by 60 centimetres at Ballycar in 2003 to mitigate against the effects of flooding.  However, the current flood levels are at …

ENNIS has so far escaped the brunt of Storm Brigid, however town manager Ger Dollard has warned, “the danger has not passed.” He outlined that river levels are in the “red zone”, with a high risk of flooding still in place. And he urged members of the public to remain vigilant as stormy weather conditions are expected to continue. The town manager was speaking at a meeting of Ennis Town Council this week where he pointed out that the town’s flood defences have been working well. “Despite the very heavy rain and high tide Ennis has performed exceptionally well over the last number of weeks,” he said. He outlined that there have been major improvements to flood defences in recent years with a number of works carried out at various locations including the Gort Road Flood Relief Scheme. While work on phase 2 of the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme continues. And he stated that since the flooding of 2009 the …