Flood protection in Laois housing estate needs Office of Public Works funding

Residents of a Laois housing estate must wait until 2026 funding from the Office of Public Works (OPW) to address flood risk to their homes.

The Grange housing estate near Portlaoise Prison Campus has a stream running through it and residents are "very nervous" of being flooded.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald asked for an update on the application for funding to the OPW, in a motion tabled to the December meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

She heard from engineer Wes Wilkinson that Laois County Council got other funding to clear vegetation along the stream, and to carry out a topographical survey.

"These works are underway. This information will assist in compiling an application for funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme," the engineer told Cllr Fitzgerald.

She urged action.

"Thanks for all the help given in the last few years. Thereis a good lot of people very nervous in the last few weeks. When we get this weather and rain, people are really worried water will come in. I know the vegetation is cleared, will that help?" she asked.

Mr Wilkinson said that the approach recommended is to seek OPW assistance.

"We'll continue to liaise and will get an application in, but there is no timeframe," he added.

"The ideal is to get OPW funding and dow the whole scheme, it would save a lot of worry," Cllr Fitzgerald said.

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Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley had seconded the motion.

"A big job was done some years ago on one part. Unfortunately you have to continue to do work. This is badly needed," she said.