Clonaslee flood scheme moves a step closer
Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran visiting flooded Mountmellick in 2017, when flood defences were promised. Photo: Denis Byrne
A LONG-AWAITED flood relief scheme for Clonaslee has moved a step closer, with a planning application about to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála (ABP).
Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, who has responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), announced on Friday that the OPW has approved the scheme, designed to protect 74 properties at risk from flooding.
The approval clears the way for Laois County Council to submit a planning application for the Clonaslee Flood Relief Scheme to ABP for planning consent.
The village has a long history of flooding from the Clodiagh and Gorragh Rivers, through a combination of river bank overflow and blockage. The county council appointed RPS engineering and environmental consultants to design a flood relief scheme for Clonaslee in 2020.
The scheme design consists of the construction of flood defence walls, construction of embankments, installation of a debris trap and culvert upgrade along the Clodiagh River.
Minister Moran said the approved scheme follows ‘very detailed engineering analysis, environmental assessments and engagement with the public’ on the sources of flooding from Clonaslee’s rivers and options to protect the village.
Clonaslee is one of three active flood relief schemes in the county, with others being developed in Mountmellick and Portarlington as part of a €45m flood risk management fund. The slow pace of the schemes has caused deep frustration, following the devastating floods of November 2017.
A further €547,000 has been granted for minor flood relief works in eight other locations across the county.
