Green light for Laois village flood relief
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PLANNING permission has been granted for the long-awaited Clonaslee Flood Relief Scheme.
Laois County Council (LCC) announced this morning that An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted full approval for the project, which the council described as ‘a major milestone’ in an ongoing programme of flood risk management.
When completed, the scheme will provide vital protection for 64 homes in the Clonaslee area. The application was submitted last June.
Clonaslee has suffered regular flooding due to overflow and blockage along the Clodiagh and Gorragh rivers.
In partnership with the Office of Public Works (OPW), the county council appointed engineering and environmental design teams in 2020, to design ‘an appropriate and future proofed’ flood relief solution for the village.
The approved scheme includes a range of targeted measures to reduce flood risk and strengthen local resilience to flooding, including construction of new defence walls; formation of protective embankments; installation of a debris trap and culvert upgrades along the River Clodiagh.
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.
Describing the approval as a very positive step forward in flood prevention, LCC director of services Simon Walton said in a statement today: ‘Alongside progressing schemes in Mountmellick and Portarlington, the Clonaslee Flood Relief Scheme will provide essential protection for homes and families in the area.
‘We look forward to continuing our work with the OPW and the design team to see the project advance to construction.’
Welcoming the decision, council chair Cllr Barry Walsh said: “This is an important step in safeguarding families, homes and local infrastructure for the long term.”
While no timeframe has been given as yet for commencement and completion of the Clonaslee project, the council said further updates will be provided as the scheme progresses.
