Laois Slieve Bloom community gets boost in flood defence campaign

A big hurdle in protecting Clonaslee from flooding has emerged in the shape of the green light from the national planning body. 

Laois County Council has welcomed the decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála to grant planning permission for the Clonaslee Flood Relief Scheme, which is one of three projects prioritised by the local authority.

An Coimisiún Pleanála stated that the scheme is in the interest of the common good by greatly reducing the risk of flooding in Clonaslee and its environs. 

In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, the local authority said Clonaslee has experienced flooding due to overflow and blockage along the Clodiagh and Gorragh Rivers. The worst recent episode occurred in 2017 when Portarlington and Mountmellick were also hit.

In response, in 2020, Laois County Council, in partnership with the Office of Public Works (OPW), appointed engineering and environmental design teams to design an appropriate and future‑proofed flood relief solution for the village.

Cllr Barry Walsh, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, welcomed the decision.

“I am delighted to see the approval of the Clonaslee Flood Relief Scheme. Once completed, this scheme will provide vital protection for 64 homes in the area and will make a significant positive impact on the community in Clonaslee. This is an important step in safeguarding families, homes and local infrastructure for the long-term,” he said.

Simon Walton, Director of Services at Laois County Council, described the planning approval as a key development in the Council’s wider flood prevention efforts.

“The granting of this planning permission is a very positive step forward in Laois County Council’s overall flood relief strategy. Alongside progressing schemes in Mountmellick and Portarlington, the Clonaslee Flood Relief Scheme will provide essential protection for homes and families in the area. We look forward to continuing our work with the OPW and the design team to see the project advance to construction,” he said.

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The approved scheme includes a range of targeted measures designed to reduce flood risk and strengthen local resilience to flood events, including:

• Construction of new flood defence walls
• Formation of protective embankments
• Installation of a debris trap
• Culvert upgrades along the Clodiagh River

The Council said it would now move toward the next stages of the project. It added that further updates will be provided as the scheme progresses.