Laois County Council is to submit a planning application for the Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme to An Coimisiún Pleanála following approval from the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Minister of State for the OPW Kevin “Boxer” Moran announced the move on Tuesday, describing it as a major step towards protecting the town from future flooding.

“I am pleased to announce that Laois County Council is proceeding with a planning application for a flood relief scheme for Mountmellick to provide protection up to the level of a one-in-100-year flood event,” Minister Moran said. “I wish to acknowledge the support from the community in Mountmellick, which was invaluable in shaping a scheme that will protect some 244 properties, including 90 that were flooded in 2017.”

Mountmellick suffered severe flooding from the Owenass River and tributaries of the River Barrow in 2017. In 2019, following the introduction of the Government’s Flood Risk Management Plans, Laois County Council, with OPW funding, appointed JBA Consulting and JB Barry and Partners (now Egis) to design a scheme for the town.

The proposed works include embankments, flood walls, a bridge replacement, culverts and a pumping station to defend against flooding from the Owenass River, Garroon Stream, Pound River and Clontygar River. The design has been future proofed to adapt to increased flood risk linked to climate change.

Minister Moran said the project followed detailed engineering analysis, environmental assessment and public consultation. He added that the Government is investing €50 million in flood risk management across Laois, including schemes for Clonaslee and Portarlington.

The Clonaslee scheme, already submitted for planning, will protect 74 properties, while the Portarlington scheme is expected to be lodged in 2026. In addition, the OPW has approved about €600,000 to Laois County Council under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for localised projects at eight other locations across the county.

The cost of the major schemes will be met under the National Development Plan’s provisions for flood risk management.

Since 2018, the number of flood relief schemes in design, planning or construction has trebled to around 100 nationwide, according to the OPW. A total of 56 schemes have been completed to date, providing protection to around 13,580 properties and an estimated €2 billion in avoided flood damages.

Further details are available at www.floodinfo.ie.