A consultant has been appointed to the €6m Athlone flood relief scheme with planning set to commence in June.
The news was confirmed this week by Independent Deputy for Longford-Westmeath, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran. Deputy Moran said he was delighted that the project was proceeding without delay.
“The consultant has now been appointed who will prepare detailed plans for the project with the aim of getting on the ground in a timely manner,” Deputy Moran said.
The consultant’s brief will be to look at a range of possible options in design, including the preparation of detailed plans for demountable or solid defences or glass defences for sensitive areas.
It is hoped that the planning process will be completed before the end of the summer and work can start soon after, Deputy Moran said.
The €6m scheme will be delivered as part of a number of projects to ease the planning process, namely: The Strand, The Quay Wall, Parnell Square, Canal Walk, Golden Island Road, and Brick Island.
“There will also be a number of minor schemes in addition to the above,” said Deputy Moran. “I remain hopeful that OPW staff will be on the ground by the middle of September next. This is a major step forward in delivery of the flood relief scheme for Athlone.”
Deputy Moran said the appointment of consultants to the project is a very important and positive step and assured the public that he will be keeping the pressure on so that there are no delays in the delivery of this vital project for Athlone.
“While this scheme is bringing great comfort to the people living in Athlone, Minister Canney and myself remain strongly committed to resolving flooding issues in rural areas, including downstream of Athlone and we are looking at delivering some of these key projects this year,” he said.
“We remain committed to continue working with local people directly affected and with all the stakeholders, including the Irish Farmers Association.”
