Report investigating Laois residents' flood concerns to be ready in November

A report investigating the concerns Mountmellick residents have about the long awaited flood prevention plan for the town is expected to be complete before the end of November. 

Earlier this year Derrycloney residents raised serious concerns that the Flood Relief Scheme may actually cause floods in their homes and pollute their drinking water. The town suffered widespread floods in 2017 which forced a shutdown of the main street, emergency evacuations and damage to nearly 100 homes and businesses. Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme includes reconstruction of the stone bridge in Derrycloney to allow more river water to flow through.

In July the residents attended a number of meetings with Laois County Council, the scheme consultant and the Office of Public works to raise concerns. They believe that the plan could back up the flood waters into their area and contaminate their water supply. 

Laois TD Sean Fleming raised the issue in the Dáil last week requesting an update. 

He was told by Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Kieran O'Donnell: "At the July 2024 meeting, it was agreed that additional work be carried out by the scheme consultant to specifically investigate the concerns raised by the residents. It is currently envisaged that a report will be finalised by the scheme’s consultant prior to the end of November 2024, which will be subsequently communicated to the Derrycloney residents."

"The Mountmellick FRS is currently approaching the end of Stage 1 (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design) with the selection of a preferred option identified, which involves flood defences such as embankments, walls, culvert upgrades and a bridge replacement over the Owenass River that will provide protection to approximately 127 properties against flooding. The preferred option was selected based on a range of criteria including economic, environmental and ecological impact, climate change adaptability and consideration of the feedback which arose during the public and stakeholder consultation process," explained the Minister. 

The concerns from the local residents arose following a Public Information Day in September 2023.