Fine Gael TD for Limerick Patrick O’Donovan has welcomed a commitment from Minister of State at the Office of Public Works Simon Harris TD to working to find a solution to flooding in Foynes.
Following the serious flooding of last winter Patrick O’Donovan brought former Minister Brian Hayes to Foynes to meet with representatives of the Local Community, Limerick County Council and the Shannon Foynes Port Company. A steering group was established by the Office of Public Works which included the Local Authority and the Port Company. This resulted in some temporary works being carried out by the Port which helped protect the community from further flooding.
Patrick O’Donovan said he was glad to see the State Agencies working together to try to put a plan in place. The Minister told Patrick O’Donovan that consultants had been appointed to work with the Steering Group to design a scheme and he expected to see a planning application lodged by the Steering Group in the near future. “I want to assure you that the Office of Public Works is committed to resolving this issue and working with all stakeholders to deliver a flood relief scheme. I will be keeping in close contact with the Steering Group to ensure progress continues to be made.”
Patrick O’Donovan said he had invited Simon Harris to visit the area to see at first hand the need for investment by the OPW in the community. He said that the Minister had agreed to visit and he hoped that this would happen soon.