7 September 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
West Cork Deputy Michael Collins has welcomed the announcement this week that the River Feagle Flood Relief Scheme has been given the go-ahead by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
Michael Collins TD (Ind)
‘This is very welcome news for the people of Clonakilty and the surrounding areas,’ Deputy Collins said. The community has suffered flooding for many years and this new flood relief scheme, once completed, will ensure peace of mind for those living in fear for their homes and businesses.’
The Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief, Kevin “Boxer” Moran, T.D. said, ‘I recently visited a number of areas in Cork, including Clonakilty, where I met with Minister of State Jim Daly, local TDs, councillors and the community, to see at first hand as Minister for Flood Relief, the effects of flooding on these areas. Flooding has a devastating impact and can be long-lasting for communities and Clonakilty is no exception, having suffered serious flooding in the past. I am delighted that this Confirmation will, after the required public notice period, now enable my Office to progress this major scheme of works on the River Fealge. The Scheme, when completed, will afford protection to 150 residential and 146 non-residential properties from the 1 in 100-year flood event.’
Minister Moran went on to say, ‘As recent events in Donegal show, flooding has a catastrophic effect on communities. It is important to emphasise that this Scheme, when commenced, is building on the record number of flood relief schemes that are currently underway in addition to the OPW’s ongoing funding support to local authorities for undertaking localised flooding projects. The existing and planned expenditure on flood relief measures represents an unprecedented level of investment by the Government to protect individuals, families, communities and businesses throughout the country against the most serious risk and impact of flooding.’
The details of the confirmation order are available on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform at http://www.per.gov.ie/en/river-fealge-clonakilty-flood-relief-scheme/
