Minister O’Donovan visits Clifden to view the flood damage

The Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan TD, during a visit to Clifden both last night and this morning witnessed and met with those directly impacted by this week’s unprecedented flood event and welcomed the advancement of a flood relief scheme for the town.

Minister O’Donovan along with his Oireachtas colleagues, Minister Hildegarde Naughton and Senator Sean Kyne, met with residents and business people who were directly affected by the unprecedented rainfall event that led to flooding in the town. This included those residents in the Clifden Glen Estate who were evacuated from their homes. He witnessed first-hand the damage to the town and this morning the Minister saw the damage to properties in Riverside and the Low Road.

Minister O’Donovan said:

“It is only when you see the damage that you can fully appreciate the devastation caused to this community. I wish to assure local residents of the support from government to assist in the recovery of those affected and our commitment to working with Galway County Council to progress the Flood Relief Scheme for the town."

The Minister met with officials from Galway County Council early this morning to compliment them for their response to the event and to hear the plans to advance the flood relief scheme for the town in partnership with the OPW. He was assured by the Council that this week’s events will inform the scheme’s design.

The Minister concluded that:

"The OPW, in partnership with Local Authorities, is working to deliver a significant planned programme of flood relief schemes, and this €1 billion investment will ensure that this and future generations will no longer live with the risk, fear and impact from flooding."

ENDS

For further information please contact OPW Communications at pressoffice@opw.ie

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