Minister O’Donovan visits Wexford (Enniscorthy and Bridgetown) to view extensive flood damage in the region

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan TD, today visited Enniscorthy and Bridgetown in County Wexford, meeting with officials and engineers from Wexford County Council, to view and hear at first hand about the extent of the damage caused by recent flooding.

Minister O’Donovan said:

“The Office of Public Works and Wexford County Council have worked closely over many years to develop a robust flood relief scheme for Enniscorthy. When complete, this scheme will protect over 230 properties, including in areas of the town that have been flooded over this Christmas, at a budgeted project cost of over €50m. Once consent is granted for this scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts, the OPW and Wexford County Council are ready and keen to progress to the construction stage of this badly-needed scheme, which it is estimated will take between 3 and 4 years to construct.

My heart goes out to those communities, families, and businesses that have been subjected to the widespread and devastating flooding across Wexford County this Christmas, including in and around Enniscorthy, but also in other communities such as Bridgetown, resulting from in excess of 90mm of rainfall falling over the county in less than 24 hours. The Office of Public Works will continue to engage with the Local Authority to offer support in identifying and funding appropriate flood relief works in these areas wherever possible, including under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigations Works' scheme.”

The Minister concluded:

“I would also like to acknowledge the coordinated response efforts of the Local Authority, Irish Lifeboats, Rescue 117, and the Local Civil Defence, particularly on Christmas Day, when many left their families to assist those in need following this devastating event.”

The Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme is one of some 150 viable schemes that the government has committed to funding through its €1.3 billion investment in flood risk management over the period of the National Development Plan to 2030.

For further information, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie

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