Laois representative claims 'good progress' on multi-million flood defence

Good progress is being made on delivering a 'once in a lifetime' multi-million euro a flood defence  for Mountmellick according to Laois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan. 

However, he has also said the Minister with responsibility for delivery has admitted that the risks and dangers are much greater than originally anticipated after the defences were promised in the wake of the 2017 flood that caused extensive damage in Mountmellick.

Dep Flanagan, who is a Mountmellick native, issued a statement after meeting on Wednesday, June 26 with Minister for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Kieran O’Donnell and senior OPW officials.

That meeting followed an update delivered on June 13 by OPW management on the project at the Dáil Public Accounts Committee where it was confirmed that the building of defences is still at Stage 1 of a five stage process.

However, Dep Charlie Flanagan reported "good progress" on the €18 million Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme following his meeting with the Minister and officicials. 

Dep Flanagan said he is keen to ensure that there is no delay in the delivery of this scheme, which was set up following the "unprecedented flooding" in November 2017.

"Local consultation and engineering works have been proceeding and it is hoped that the necessary planning permissions and consents will be advanced shortly," he said.

The Fine Gael TD said he raised a particular concern of Derrycloney Residents and a request for protection as part of the scheme.

"A number of residents in the Derrycloney/Drinagh area felt that they were not getting full support under the Scheme and that there was a risk of vulnerability and fear. Deputy Flanagan was assured that the concerns of the Derrycloney Residents will be taken into account and that the OPW Engineers and field officers are fully aware of the specific Derrycloney risks.

"Currently, Laois County Council is working to ensure that the appropriate embankments and protections are included so as to minimise a flood risk. In this regard the Council is engaging with residents and land owners," said Dep Flanagan.

The Laois TD described the process as a "a once in a lifetime opportunity" for the entire Mountmellick area and it is essential that no group or area is left behind.

Dep Flannagan said he has assured the people of Mountmellick that the plans and specifications will take all risks into consideration.

"As regards any delay involved, Minister Kieran ODonnell admitted that the risks and dangers are much greater than were originally anticipated hence the need for a comprehensive job," he said.

Dep Flanagan concluded by recalling that as Minister for Justice, he brought Minister Boxer Moran to view firsthand the flood in November 2017 when both Ministers announced the multimillion package.

The recent Public Accounts Committee meeting heard that the Mountmellick scheme is currently at the preliminary design stage. OPW have said that they are progressing that stage, with stage 1 construction to commence in July 2025. Construction will likely take at least three years. However the meeting did here that the design process had run into difficulties and was still at Stage 1 in a five stage process.