Clare Fine Gael TD, Pat Breen has assured residents of Springfield, Clonlara that a solution to the local flooding issue is now in sight.
Minister for the OPW and Flood Relief, Sean Canny visited Clonlara to meet with residents of Springfield on Monday and reassure them that work is continuing on a solution to the flooding issue. Space in the local Community Centres was at a premium as local people gathered to engage with the minister.
“Having spoken with Minister Canney and met with officials from the OPW I am reassured that a solution is finally in sight for the people of Springfield. We have been very fortunate with the weather this year. Certainly visiting Clonlara is very different to my trips here last Winter, when people were living, or even surviving, in homes metres under water and farmlands devastated by high floods,” said the Clare minister of state.
“Today the land and homes are dry again, but we cannot be complacent and just hope the weather holds. It is essential that the work begins now on flood prevention, and preventing a repeat of the hardship endured by the people of Springfield. I am pleased that the report from Jacobs Engineering Group Inc is finally completed and am looking forward to a preferred solution being announced in the coming weeks
“It is also important that the working relationship developed between Clare County Council and the OPW continues, and that work on the ground begins as soon as possible after the decision is made.”
“A solution must also be found for Clonahinchy and the residents there. I understand that this may be a more complicated process as we are dealing with the Atlantic Ocean, but am somewhat reassured that a solution may be in sight as a new proposal is being considered by Clare County Council”, Breen added.
“The OPW has been in discussions with council officials to come up with the most cost effective method of dealing with the flooding concerns, and close on €300,000 has already been spent there. I would like to see this investment built upon in the most cost effective way, but also in a way that ensures the people of Clonahinchy can live without fear of repeated flooding. I have met regularly with the OPW on the flooding issues in Clonlara and Clonahiny and will continue to do so until a satisfactory solution has been found,” he concluded.