Crossmolina hardship to be considered by cabinet
AN Taoiseach Enda Kenny has confirmed that the hardship suffered by property owners in Crossmolina as a result of flooding will be considered at a cabinet meeting tomorrow.
The Fine Gael leader told The Connaught Telegraph: 'I spoke to business owers in Crossmolina this morning and they have told me that the flooding suffered in the town over the weekend in the worst seen in over 50 years. High water levels in the River Deel are not a new phenomenon but this is an issue this government is addressing.
'I met this morning with Minister Simon Harris who is responsible for the Office of Public Works as well as with officials working in his department.
'The scale of the task is enormous with over 300 locations across the country requiring flood works of some kind. It is however something we are determined to address.
'This government has committed over €1 billion in the capital plan to works in the coming years and we will continue to work with local authorities and agencies to ensure better outcomes across the country.
'At cabinet tomorrow morning we will discuss the question of emergency funding for those affected, including those in Crossmolina and any decision will be announced following cabinet tomorrow.
'A plan has been drawn up to deal with Crossmolina’s particular problem. Design consultants are currently working on a revision to the plan already developed and there is a meeting scheduled for next Friday to progress the plan to the next stage.
'It may well be the case that the Jack Garrett Bridge in the town will have to be replaced as part of the revision. The plan will then have to go for further detailed design, planning and tender before construction can begin.
'Assuming there are no delays it may be late 2016/early 2017 before any major construction can take place. In the meantime some minor remedial works can be carried out by Mayo County Council.
'The OPW will continue a program of maintenance on the river which is included in their plan for 2016.'