Galway Bay fm newsroom – Galway County Council is outshining every other county in its efforts to deal with future flooding by drawing down available funding for various schemes.
That’s according to OPW Minister and Galway East TD Sean Canney who addressed councillors at their meeting at County Hall today.
He told the meeting 300 areas of flood risk nationwide have been identified to be dealt with on a priority basis.
In addition, more rural works are being tackled through minor works schemes with over 20 such applications currently being prepared for submission by the local authority.
Minister Canney said it takes an average of seven years to get a project from inception to construction and improving this timeline will be a key focus for him.
This is being addressed through the establishment of a working group which means the NPWS will work in co-operation with the OPW and the local authorities.
Councillors highlighted the challenges experienced by farmers due to flooded lands and farm buildings and also quizzed the Minister on the delay with works at Kiltiernan after funding for the project was approved last November.
Minister Canney said he is meeting with the IFA to discuss concerns and would like to see the works at Kiltiernan complete before winter.
Speaking to FYI Galway following the meeting, he said every effort will be made to prevent future suffering inflicted by flood waters.
Minister Canney said an early warning system is also being developed by Met Eireann and the Department of the Environment.
This will assist in forecasting the effects of rainfall and its likely affect in certain areas.
OPW official Richard Dooley told the meeting that work on the Claregalway scheme will be complete in two and a half years.
He said the remaining works have approval with 25 conditions attached and will require time.
Meanwhile CFRAM maps are expected to go on public display for three months shortly.
Loughrea area Fianna Fail councillor Gerry Finnerty said while the CFRAM maps are welcome, action is what’s needed in South Galway.
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