Progress on flood relief scheme

Consultants are expected to be appointed shortly as part of ongoing planning for a flood relief scheme for Cavan Town.

Launched in 2019, the scheme is led by the local authority in conjunction with the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Tenders for Engineering and Environmental Consultants were published last year with a view to progressing the project. OPW Minister Patrick O’Donovan says the successful applicant is expected to be appointed shortly.

“Once appointed, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of this scheme.”

Cavan County Council has confirmed it has completed the assessment of tenders after the closure of the application period on October 29 last. It says it “expects to be in a position to confirm the appointment of the preferred tenderer before the end of Q1 2022, subject to funding approval”.

The update follows a query from local Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith who had asked if funding would be provided this year for the flood relief scheme.

Elsewhere, Minister O’Donovan says the OPW and Monaghan County Council will work closely together on programmes for Ballybay, Inniskeen and Monaghan Town to ensure they will be commenced “as soon as possible within the 10-year timeframe”.

Minor works

Minister O’Donovan says funding is also provided for minor flood relief schemes across the country, with Cavan County Council receiving €463,302 for works since 2009.

This includes recent approvals in 2020, totalling €75,600 for projects at Aghadreenagh Redhills, Ballyhaise pitch, the Cavan Road in Ballyhaise, Drumliffe, Ballyhaise, Knockateery, Cloverhill and Mullinavaranogue.

Funding of up to €750,000 is available under the scheme, with the OPW footing up to 90% of the cost.

Plans for flood relief works in Monaghan Town, from the Peace Campus on Plantation road to Peter’s Lake were submitted in December 2021.