Funding announced for flood protection works in Co. Galway as Minister O’Donovan visits Galway City and Nenagh

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan, T.D., has announced the approval of Galway County Council’s two applications under the Office of Public Works’ Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Under the scheme, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has approved funding of €54,000 in total: funding of €36,000 has been approved for the cleaning of existing drains and upgrading of piped network in Aughrim, Ballinasloe. In addition, the OPW has also approved funding of €18,000 for replacing and upsizing an existing culvert and cleaning of open drains at Lissard, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe.

Minister O’Donovan made the announcement today on his visit to Galway City:

“I am very pleased that Galway County Council will be able to progress the two proposed local flood mitigation projects, thereby bringing peace of mind to the owners of the properties affected. These most recent funding approvals bring up to 45 the number of minor flood mitigation works or studies approved by the OPW to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within Galway County Council’s administrative area, totalling over €10.8 million since 2010. That is a considerable support to the local authority in delivering smaller-scale, but important flood protection works in their communities.”

In Galway, Minister O’Donovan met Galway City Council officials and OPW engineers at Spanish Arch and Salthill to receive an update on Coirib go Cósta – Galway City Flood Relief Scheme. The Coirib go Cósta - Galway City Flood Relief Scheme aims to deliver a viable, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable flood relief scheme for Galway City that will also enhance the biodiversity, urban landscape and public realm amenity of its environment. The project is currently at Stage 1 where options development and initial scheme development take place, including through stakeholder and public engagement.

It has a preliminary total project budget estimate of €9.5m and the objective of protecting over 940 properties in the Long Walk, Spanish Arch, Eglinton Canal, Merchants Quay, Raven Terrace, Salthill and Claddagh areas of Galway City from tidal and river flooding. Galway City Council, as Project Sponsor and Contracting Authority, is leading the development of the Coirib go Cósta – Galway City Flood Relief Scheme for the city, with technical advice and funding provided by the OPW.

From Galway, Minister O’Donovan travelled on to Nenagh, where he met with Tipperary County Council and OPW engineers for an onsite briefing on flood risk issues along the Nenagh River. He concluded his visit by officiating at the opening of the new Nenagh Tourist Office in the former Town Hall, which will open its doors to the public on Wednesday, 1 December. The Tourist Office has been designed to be a celebration of Nenagh – it includes work by local artists and recognises also the achievement of many Nenagh people in various fields such as sports, science, music, dance and literature.

Minister O’Donovan said:

“The OPW and Tipperary County Council have a strong working relationship and have been working hand in hand here in Nenagh to make one of the town’s key attractions, Nenagh Castle, accessible to visitors following its conservation by the OPW in 2012. We look forward to working in partnership with the Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Fáilte Ireland to support the development of Nenagh's Historic and Cultural Quarter as a leading tourist destination and gateway to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.”

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie

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