This article is from page 4 of the 2014-08-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
TENDERS are being invited for a planned € 4m upgrade of flood defences in Ennis and Clarecastle.
Last March, An Bord Pleanála approved an application from Clare County Council to construct the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme which when completed will deliver flood defences in Clonroadmore, Ballybeg and Clareabbey.
The works include a flood overflow culvert from St Flannan’s Stream to the Clareabbey flood plain, a flood overflow culvert from Ballybeg Stream to the Clareabbey flood plain, and an upgrade of the existing flood defence embankment between the Quin Road and the Clarecastle tidal barrage. The estimated cost of the project is € 4 million.
Details of the project are contained in a notice posted by Clare County Council on the e-tenders public sector procurement site.
The project involves the c construction of 2 No. flood alleviation culverts (1,200mm diameter, 1,120m and 520m in length in congested ur- ban environment), along with service diversions.
The development will see the upgrade of 2.7km of existing flood defence embankment (50,000 – 100,000 cubic meters of imported material) with associated works to back drain, sluice valves and construction of a new pumping station, located in Ennis and Clarecastle.
According to the notice, works will be required within the Lower River Shannon SAC Natura 2000 Site. Following a short-listing process, 5-7 candidates will be invited to tender, provided that there is a sufficient number of suitably qualified applicants. Work on phase two of the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme between Bank Place Bridge and Doora Bridge is ongoing at locations around Ennis. On completion, it is hoped the project will lead to the protection of 849 residential and 425 non-residential properties on completion.
Defences including enhanced river walls, pumping stations and new drainage systems are included in the project, which is aimed at protecting Ennis against a 100-year flood event.