Town council want to proceed with flood-relief

ENNIS Town Council wants to proceed with proposed flood-relief works on the Gort Road.
The proposed works comprise an undergroumd culvert, which traverses form the east side of the Gort Road, through the industrial estate and from there outfalls to the River Fergus.
In a written report on the proposal by executive planner, Andrew Hersey, he explained this essential piece of infrastructure would relieve flooding in the area during extreme weather events. “I do not consider that the zoning objectives for the area would apply to the said development. In summary, I would consider that there would not be any negative planning implications as a result of the proposed development,” he commented.
He also confirmed that a number of persons or bodies made submissions or observations on the proposal. The environment section of Clare County Council raised issues with regard to the reduced storage capacity of Lough Girroga. The heritage officer of Clare County Council made a submission in regard to the protection of Natura 2000 sites, Lough Girroga and the River Fergus.
An Taisce raised concerns that the proposed works would not relieve flooding in this area and set out an alternative to this.
Tobin Consultant Engineers responded to the submissions raised by the environment section of Clare County Council and the heritage officer and by An Taisce by way of further reports and the environment officer and heritage officer had accepted these responses.
Mr Hersey said that Ennis Town Council is recommending to the elected members that this development should proceed, in accordance with plans received.