Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran outlines the significant progress being made in implementing the €12 million Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme

Kevin “Boxer” Moran TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, today outlined the progress being made in implementing the Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme.

The Minister said:

“Athlone has suffered over many years from flooding and from the threat of flooding and this Scheme when completed will bring long awaited relief for those communities affected. The Scheme involves a programme of works with eight parcels of flood defences being delivered in a phased manner. Works are underway at six sites, such as the Strand and at Brick Island, with construction works completed at Iona Park. Subject to planning approval, works at the River Al (Cregan) will commence during 2019."

The Minister said:

“This scheme is a massive undertaking for all parties involved and requires different approaches at each location from Embankment works and Sheet pilling at Deer Park to customised defence walls at The Strand.”

The Minister concluded:

“I am satisfied that significant progress is being made in the implementation of the Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme. It is a credit to all of those involved with the project to be making such progress and I wish to thank Westmeath County Council, the consultants RPS and the staff of the OPW for their continuing commitment and effort in implementing this Scheme."

ENDS

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Notes to the Editor:

The Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme is being delivered in eight parcels and the works in each cell are as follows:

DEERPARK – Permanent embankment along Shamrock Lodge to Lock Gates. Embankments and sheet piling to commence Q3 2019 with estimated completion date Q2 2021.

THE STRAND – Permanent flood wall, between Burgess Park to Bridge (East side). Burgess Park Flood defence wall near completion with drainage works to commence in the coming weeks. Estimated completion date Q4 2020.

THE QUAY – Permanent flood wall from Lock Gate to Bridge (West side). Progress is ongoing with RC wall near completion and drainage works in progress. Estimated completion date end 2019.

BRICK ISLAND – including Jolly Mariner and Priory Park – A combination of permanent flood walls and embankment. Works nearing completion and Estimated completion date Q3 2019.

MARINE VIEW – A combination of flood walls and permanent embankments. Preparatory works are completed with a programmed start date in Q3 2019.

IONA PARK – Permanent embankment and raised roads. – All works completed.

GOLDEN ISLAND – Permanent embankments, raised road and flood wall.

RIVER AL (CREGAN) – Provision of storage upstream of the N6 to attenuate flows in flood conditions.