A MAJOR study is to get under way with a long-term plan to prevent flooding in the Shannon hinterlands around the midlands, the Minister for Housing and Local Services Michael Finneran confirmed yesterday.
He was speaking in Athlone where he launched the Big Bag scheme, a new flood defence system which is more cost effective than sand bags.
According to its makers, Global Flood Solutions, which is based in Roscommon Town, the Big Bag model is less labour intensive and is more cost effective.
“One 4.5 metre system is the equivalent of using 670 sand bags,” its website claims.
Mr Finneran said that the Office of Public Works would commission a study to identify the level of flood risk throughout the catchment area and produce a prioritised plan to address the risks identified in a comprehensive way.
“The study will involve all the main stakeholders who have a role in the management of the Shannon, with a view to ensuring that all flood risk factors are managed in a co-ordinated way,” the Minister said.
However, the Mayor of Ballinasloe has expressed concern at the time frame being put in place to commence the study.
Mayor Johnny Walsh said that a repeat of the flooding seen in the east Galway town last November was still possible.
“This study is scheduled to commence in September and could take up to 18 months to complete. The problem here is, we could have repeated flooding all over again. I want this done as soon as possible,” he said.
Mr Walsh said that life had not fully returned to normal since the extensive flooding in the Ballinasloe area.
“Life is only back to normal for about 40 per cent of the residents particularly in the Derrymullen area. A number of houses are still not re-occupied due to structural damage and insurance problems but work is ongoing between Ballinasloe Town Council and the OPW.”