Meetings to help flood-risk areas avoid future problems

A series of public meetings for areas which are at risk from flooding are to be held next week around Galway.

As part of the Western Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (Western CFRAM) Study, draft flood maps have been drawn up for Athenry, Loughrea, Gort, Kinvara, the city and Oranmore.

The series of meetings will afford members of the public the opportunity to make observations on the flood maps.

The study is intended to help long-term planning for reduction and improved management of flood risk across the country and improve understanding of where flooding is more likely to happen.

According to the consultants charged with drawing up the Western CFRAM study, the public can provide invaluable local information.

“JBA Consulting, on behalf of the Office of Public Works (OPW), has produced draft flood maps as part of the CFRAM programme.

“To provide an opportunity for all interested persons to view and comment on the draft flood maps, public consultation days will be held.

“Members of the Western CFRAM Study project team will be available on the day to discuss and explain the maps and to collate any local flooding information,” the consultants said.

The Athenry and Loughrea meetings will take place tomorrow (Monday, November 3) from 3pm to 8pm in the Raheen Woods and Lough Rea Hotels. The Gort consultations will take place in the Gort Community and Leisure Centre from 3.30pm to 9pm on Tuesday.

In Kinvara, the meeting will be on Tuesday from 3pm to 8pm in the Merriman Hotel.

On Wednesday, the Galway City consultations will take place from 3pm to 8pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel; while at the same time, the Oranmore plans will be on display at the Oranmore Community Centre.

The draft flood maps will be also be available by download from the Western CFRAM website