Green light for flood defence works in Laois

Long-sought-after flood defence works for a small County Laois village situated at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains have moved a step closer.

Kevin Moran, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), has announced that following OPW approval, Laois County Council will proceed with the submission of a planning application for the Clonaslee Flood Relief Scheme to An Bord Pleanála for planning consent.

Clonaslee has a history of flooding from the Clodiagh and Gorragh Rivers through a combination of riverbank overflow and blockage.

The scheme design for Clonaslee consists of the construction of flood defence walls, construction of embankments, installation of a debris trap, and culvert upgrade along the Clodiagh River.

Speaking on Friday, Minister Moran said, “I wish to acknowledge the support from the community in Clonaslee that was valuable to inform the design of a scheme for their town, which will protect 74 properties at risk from flooding.”

Minister Moran also said the Government is investing approximately €45 million in flood risk management across Laois and that Clonaslee is one of three active flood relief schemes for the county.

Flood relief schemes are also being developed by Laois County Council, with the support of the OPW, in Mountmellick and Portarlington.

The cost of the schemes will be met through the €1.3 billion for flood relief measures set out in the National Development Plan.