OPW takes control of flood protection

Date Published: 21-Jan-2010

THE Office of public Works (OPW ) is to get new statutory powers over the coming weeks to deal with flood risk issues which could clear the way for three main projects in Co. Galway to get under way this year.

Close on 700 people who attended a public meeting in Ballinasloe on Sunday delivered a unanimous message to government that they want one agency to take control of flood management issues.

The Connacht Tribune has learned that a major project involving the Dunkellin River – from Craughwell, to where it enters the sea near Kilcolgan – could start this year.

This would involve a widening and deepening of the river channel as well as the revamp of three ‘bottleneck bridges’ – the Dunkellin, the Wren and the Killeely bridges.

Two other problem areas to be prioritised include the possible replacement of the N17 bridge over the River Clare at Claregalway (beside the castle) and the dredging of a key 6km. stretch of the Shannon between Meelick and Banagher.

At last Sunday’s meeting in Ballinasloe, Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Martin Mansergh, indicated that this body would, over the coming weeks, be getting extra statutory powers in relation to the flood management of Irish waterways.

And, in a statement issued this week to the Connacht Tribune, the OPW confirmed that a new statutory instrument would be introduced over the coming weeks, giving them extra powers in relation to flood management, in line with the EU floods Directive.

The statement added: “The Eu floods Directive will be transposed into Irish law in the next few weeks by the introduction of a Statutory Instrument.

Continued on page 2 of this week’s Connacht Tribune