Home News Community Flooding issues in Laois town ‘finally to be addressed’

Flooding issues in Laois town ‘finally to be addressed’

Laois County Council have applied to An Bord Pleanala for permission to install a new 600mm diameter overflow culvert, on the Shannon stream in Mountrath, Co.Laois.

€46,565 in funding was secured by Laois County Council from the Office of Public Works (OPW) last September to carry out flood mitigation works on Shannon Street, Mountrath under the Minor Works Scheme.

This issue has been causing distress and anxiety to many residents and businesses on Shannon Street for years, according to local Fine Gael Councillor Conor Bergin in the Borris-In-Ossory/Mountmellick area.

He said: “I have met with and spoken to some of the residents on Shannon Street about their concerns about the ongoing flood risk, which has caused a lot of damage and disruption in Mountrath in recent years.

“Homeowners have informed me that they are living in fear of another flood, which can occur at any time, particularly with inclement weather at the moment.

“Aside from the risk of homes flooding, there is also an ongoing risk of flooding at Mountrath Playground.

“I am anxious that these flood mitigation works are carried out as soon as possible and the new culvert installed, hopefully before the Summer and I am working closely with Laois County Council on this issue.”

The Natura Impact Statement, including the plans and particulars for the proposed development, will be placed on public display from Thursday February 4 until Monday March 22.

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development may be made to An Bord Pleanála in relation to:

  • the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area concerned;
  • the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development; and,
  • the likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European Site.

Submissions or observations should be made in writing to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 not later than on or before 5.30pm on March 22.

In addition, an electronic copy of the Natura Impact Statement and the plans and particulars of the proposed development is also available for free download via the consultation website of Laois County Council.

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