The escalating water level on Lough Funshinagh is “especially concerning”, Roscommon County Council confirmed this week.
In a statement issued by the local authority, Roscommon County Council noted that the water level at Lough Funshinagh is extremely high for this time of year.
‘This is especially concerning when considering that peak levels are typically seen in early spring which is still several months away.
‘Due to the High Court challenge taken by Friends of the Irish Environment against Roscommon County Council, flood relief works that would have protected homes, property and public infrastructure in the general vicinity of the lake cannot be completed and no new works can be undertaken.
‘The Council is fully committed to providing whatever flood protection measures can be provided and is in regular communication with local residents and public representatives. However and unfortunately, because of the court order, such measures are limited to localised flood defences and pumping in the immediate vicinity of the affected properties.
‘These measures have been relatively effective so far this winter; however, there is a growing concern that as levels continue to rise due to climate change and unprecedented amounts of rainfall, we may reach a point at which such measures will no longer be adequate.
‘The Council also continues to work in partnership with the OPW to identify an acceptable long-term solution for Lough Funshinagh. The hydro-ecological field studies required to support any such solution are under way and should be completed before the end of 2024.
‘While this progress towards a longer term solution is positive, Roscommon County Council is ever-mindful of the ongoing and immediate challenges facing local residents and the wider community’, the statement detailed.
