Moran Visits Kilkenny, Flood Protection Plans on Display

Kevin Moran T.D., Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief, was in Kilkenny July 17 where he met with John Paul Phelan, T.D., Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform to put in place arrangements for the advancement of flood relief schemes in County Kilkenny.

Minister Moran said: “Kilkenny City was one of the first areas to be addressed following a number of severe floods and has enjoyed the benefits of this investment over the past twenty years or so. We are meeting today to examine how to deliver on the flood risk management plans for the county and have agreed mechanisms for the progression of flood relief schemes for Ballyhale, Freshford, Graiguenamanagh, Inistioge, Piltown and Thomastown.”

“These schemes involve an investment of over €29 million and once completed will provide flood protection to over 360 properties in Kilkenny.

“Kilkenny County Council will be leading on the implementation of these six projects in collaboration with my Office. Kilkenny County Council will also be taking on additional engineering resources funded by my Office to progress and deliver these schemes as soon as possible.”

The elected members of Kilkenny County Council adopted the Flood Risk Management Plans published by the OPW in May 2018 for the Suir, Nore and Barrow rivers on 21 June 2018.

In adopting the plans, the members have sought further consultation and agreement with affected communities, public and other groups and organizations.

FRESHFORD

• Estimated cost of €3.8 million;
• Will provide protection to 93 properties when completed;
• Works include flow diversion and improved channel conveyance.

GRAIGUENAMANAGH

• Estimated cost of €9.1 million;
• Will provide protection to 64 properties;
• Works include embankments and walls, set back where possible from the river channel.

THOMASTOWN

• Estimated cost of €12.7 million;
• Will provide protection to 135 properties;
• Works include embankments and walls, set back where possible from the river channel.

PILTOWN

• Estimated cost of €1.6 million;
• Will provide protection to 14 properties;
• Works include walls, embankments, road raising and improved channel conveyance by means of bridge and culvert replacement.

INISTIOGE

• Estimated cost of €1.5 million;
• Will provide protection to 34 properties;
• Works include embankments and walls, set back where possible from the river channel allowing the floodplain function to remain active.

BALLYHALE

• Estimated cost of €430,000;
• Will provide protection to 25 properties;
• Works include embankment and flow diversion from the Ballyhale watercourse to the Little Arrigle River.