Minister visits Mayo flood relief projects today

THE Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, has visited two flood relief schemes in Mayo today, accompanied by Councillor Seamus Weir, cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council.

At Carrowholly, Westport, to mark the occasion of the substantial completion of the scheme there, Minister O'Donovan unveiled a plaque at Knockaniska Bridge.

This scheme, managed under the OPW minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme and led by the council, was a result of extensive flooding in the area in early 2014.

The works, consisting of 13 separate embankments and road raising, will protect 14 properties against future flooding.

Minister O’Donovan commented: “I am very much aware of the stress that flooding and the threat of flooding has on local communities. I am delighted to be in Carrowholly to view another completed scheme that will help alleviate this stress for its inhabitants.”

He thanked all who contributed to the success of the scheme, including the council, Mott MacDonald Consultants and local contractors Stephen Cannon Plant Hire and Martin Moran Plant Hire.

Afterwards, the group progressed to Wesport to officially mark the commencement of the Cois Abhainn and Ashwood estates flood relief scheme. They met with representatives of Cunningham Civil and Marine Ltd., appointed contractors for the construction of the scheme, and local residents.

Councillor Weir, on the Carrowholly scheme, said the project provides long-lasting protection to the people of the area against coastal flooding and extreme storms.

The commencement of the Cois Abhainn and Ashwood scheme is also to be welcomed. When constructed, it will provide much needed reassurance to 36 residential properties for many years to come, he said.