Consultation begins on proposed Lough Funshinagh solution

The work on the proposed permanent solution to flooding at Lough Funshinagh could begin in 2028.

According to planning details uploaded onto the council’s public consultation website , a planning application is expected to be submitted in the first three months of next year, with the enabling and construction phases scheduled for the following year.

In a move that has surprised many, the council, the OPW, and others have proposed that the permanent plan build on the existing temporary solution, pumping water from the lake to the Cross River.

Under the plan, a 2.35km underground pipeline will be installed to bring water from Lough Funshinagh to the Cross River. The pipeline will be buried along the preferred corridor, crossing agricultural land and two local roads, with the land fully reinstated following construction.

Similarly to the existing temporary measure, the water will be pumped from the south-western corner of Lough Funshinagh under the plan. Screening equipment will prevent fish and debris from entering the system. Monitoring equipment will also control the transfer of water from the turlough into the pipeline The water will enter the Cross River at the same maximum flow rate as the existing interim pumping system, 300 litres per second.

“The proposed system will transfer water from the turlough to the Cross River when water levels reach predefined trigger levels, helping to maintain a target maximum water level of 66.50 mOD (meters Ordnance Datum),” the documents said. “Siphoning will normally start when the turlough reaches 65.50mOD and will continue until the level is reduced to 64.50mOD.” The lake is currently at 66.28mOD.

An Environmental Impact Assessment Report and a Natura Impact Statement will also be prepared as part of the planning process.

While the permanent solution is being progressed, an extension will be sought from An Coimisiún Pleanála for the temporary solution, which is 18 months into a 24 month planning permission. 

A fourth public consultation event on the flood relief solution for Lough Funshinagh will take place today. This consultation event, organised by Roscommon County Council, will provide members of the public and stakeholders with an opportunity to view and comment on the emerging preferred option for the project. The event will take place from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Kiltoom, Athlone.