Works begin on Interim Flood Relief Scheme at Lough Funshinagh
A barrier holds back a wall of water at Lough Funshinagh. Pic. Gerry Faughnan
Works began yesterday, Monday, on the Interim Flood Scheme at Lough Funshinagh and are expected to be completed within four weeks.
Roscommon County Council is also progressing with the design and environmental assessments to find a permanent, viable solution to the issue which has been a major problem for landowners for many years.
The flooding has caused huge stress and trauma to families in the area with some forced to evacuate their homes last year.
Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, TD, announced on Monday that works "have officially commenced enabling infrastructure for the interim flood relief scheme. The contractor, acting on behalf of Roscommon County Council, anticipates that the enabling works will be completed within approximately four weeks.
"The scope of the initial phase of interim works includes the establishment of the pumping compound, the over-ground placement of pipework, and the construction of an outfall structure at the Cross River. Mechanical pumping equipment and the necessary associated pipework will begin arriving on-site this week. Roscommon County Council expects to have the construction of the interim flood relief scheme completed and commissioned by the end of March 2025.
"All works are being closely supervised by Roscommon County Council staff, along with the appointed technical and environmental consultants, and are being carried out in full compliance with the recent planning consent granted by An Bord Pleanála in January 2025.
"In parallel with these interim measures, Roscommon County Council is progressing the design and environmental assessments to find a viable solution and it is anticipated that an application for a permanent solution will be prepared and ready for submission to An Bord Pleanála towards the end of 2025."
The Minister went on to thank all of the associated stakeholders for helping to bring the scheme to this significant stage, and in particular the landowners that have facilitated the scheme to date.
