News that an overflow pipe from Lough Funshinagh to the River Shannon has been given the green light is a very welcome development, according to independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice.
The Roscommon-Galway TD was reacting to the statement from the Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, which confirmed that the OPW would respond to Roscommon County Council’s request for emergency support with the project.
Reacting to the news, Fitzmaurice said: “I am extremely pleased for all of the locals, farmers and landowners who have been impacted by the rising water levels in the past few years. At least now there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
“The stress and anxiety they have had to endure in recent months is immeasurable, as they tried to keep water from entering their homes.
“Common sense has finally prevailed in this scenario. I have consistently said that an overflow pipe would be the only solution, otherwise the level of the lough would continue to rise – engulfing more land and flooding more homes in the process.
“Thankfully, everyone now is singing from the one hymn sheet and work can get underway as soon as possible.
“I would like to thank Minister O’Donovan, as well as his predecessor Kevin Boxer Moran, for the OPW’s commitment to fully support the council to carry out these urgent works.
“I understand the OPW is prepared to provide machinery and manpower to facilitate the flood mitigation works and that progress will be made imminently.
“A huge amount of recognition must also go to the locals and other public representatives who have continuously lobbied for this solution – including Ivan Connaughton and Sinead Beattie.
“Once the overflow pipe is up and running, the locals may at least have some peace of mind when the winter months roll around and heavy rainfall returns – rather than consistently watching the water levels.
“Homeowners have had to keep pumps running constantly to protect their homes and farmers have been at their wits end in recent months trying to safely house and feed their livestock – with some having to sell off some of their animals due to sheds being flooded.
“I would encourage the OPW and the County Council to progress with the works as matter of haste,” Fitzmaurice concluded.
For further information contact Michael Fitzmaurice at 086-1914565