Flood concerns recede in south Roscommon

Communities surrounding Lough Funshinagh in south Roscommon are breathing a sigh of relief this weekend after a pumping station to help manage the flood risk in the local area was switched on.

On Friday, Minister of State at the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran turned on the interim pumping facility, pending the completion of a permanent scheme.

Water levels on Lough Funshinagh expanded to unprecedented levels last winter leading to surrounding farmland and some homes being flooded.

The newly installed temporary pipeline will discharge water from the lake into the local Cross River.

The permanent scheme involves the installation of a 3km underground overflow pipeline from Lough Funshinagh to the River Shannon.

Speaking on Friday, Minister Moran said, “The significance of this event for the local community cannot be understated, as they have had to endure unprecedented water levels at Lough Funshinagh for some years, causing substantial damage and risks to their homes and businesses.”

The Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Paschal Fitzmaurice commented, “The Council would like to acknowledge and thank the dedicated staff of the Athlone Municipal District for supporting local communities through a series of unprecedented flooding events, providing property protection measures, and facilitating this temporary pumping scheme.”