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Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan, T.D., today announced that the OPW has appointed Ward and Burke Ltd., Contractors to undertake remedial works along the northern bank of the River Feale, adjacent to Convent Street (R553) in Listowel, Co. Kerry.
The Minister said:
“Winter storms in February 2020, resulted in the collapse of a section of elevated bank slope along the northern bank of the River Feale, adjacent to Convent Street in Listowel, Co. Kerry. I am delighted that these remedial works will be undertaken to stabilise the river bank with the construction works expected to commence on-site in August 2021.”
A Project Team was appointed in March 2020, including Gavin and Doherty Geosolutions Ltd., Tony O’ Regan Associates and Environmental Consultants. The Project Team worked with Kerry County Council and other relevant statutory bodies to identify the appropriate long-term solution. As the site is located within the Lower Shannon Special Area of Conservation (SAC), the Environmental Consultant engaged by OPW completed a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment/Natura Impact Statement (NIS) for the works. The NIS determined that there will not be any likely significant impacts on the qualifying interests of the SAC. The NIS was submitted to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for review. NPWS’ comments have been incorporated into the design and the works methodology. An underwater archaeological dive survey was also undertaken in advance of the works. A designated ecological clerk of works is monitoring the works and is in regular consultation with the relevant statutory bodies, including NPWS and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
This work is being progressed by the OPW under statutory powers conferred on them for the maintenance of the River Feale Certified Drainage Scheme. These emergency works are required to ensure stability and remediate the slope failure that occurred in February 2020, which has threatened the structural stability of a number of properties along Convent Street.
For further information, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie
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