Pumping project at Lough Funshinagh could be in place by April
Flooding at Lough Funshinagh, South Roscommon in March of last year
The temporary pumping solution at Lough Funshinagh is hoped to be in place by April, the minister for the OPW told residents today at a meeting in Roscommon Town.
Permission was granted last week by An Bord Pleanála for excess water to be pumped from the lake to the Cross River.
Minister Kieran O’Donnell attended the meeting at Áras an Chontae this morning for around an hour. This is his fifth time to meet with people living around the lake since he took up the role last April. The OPW is funding the proposals for both the temporary and permanent solution.
“The sun is shining out today and I think it is symbolic of the mood,” he said. “Roscommon County Council hopes to have the temporary scheme in place by the end of March.”
He added that work is ongoing on the permanent solution and that public consultation on the overflow pipe begins on Tuesday January 28th at the Hodson Bay Hotel.
“Roscommon County Council expects that they will be submitting a proposal on the permanent scheme by the end of this year,” he said.
Subject to the approval, the council will then seek to have the injunction lifted in the High Court. The original plan was opposed by the Friends of the Irish Environment in 2021, but it did not submit an objection to the temporary solution.
“The permanent solution is expected to take about six months to complete,” he said. “I would certainly be looking for the permanent scheme to be in place before the end of the temporary solution’s 24 month planning permission.” Minister O’Donnell thanked and complimented the residents for their forbearance and resilience in the face of the flood crisis.
“I have gotten to know them and I was struck by their attachment and the affection for the lake and its wildlife.” He also thanked Roscommon County Council, the OPW, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the consultants working on the project.
“We consulted widely, including with the Friends of the Irish Environment, and everyone contributed to dealing with the situation at the lake,” he said He thanked the landowners for permission to use their lands to facilitate the overland pipe for the pumping system.
“There has been engagement with contractors,” the minister said. “Construction is expected to start sometime in February with the intention that it would be in operation by the end of March.”
