This article is from page 11 of the 2013-03-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
THE Office of Public Works (OPW) says it will attempt to “minimize as much as possible” any interruptions to traffic during the construction of the latest phase of the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme.
Work on the estimated € 7.1 million project from Bank Place Bridge to Doora Bridge has already commenced at locations around Ennis town centre.
It is anticipated that the works will approximately 18 months to complete and 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.
Mayo firm Wills Bros Ltd are carrying out the works.
Work is currently underway at Abbey Street car park leading to a temporary closure of an area close to the river wall. Drainage works in some areas of the town may lead to lane closures, explained Richard Long, Senior Employee On-site Representative for JB Barry / OPW.
He said, “There are going to some disruptions but we not going to close roads. It will be more a case of lane closures. Traffic plans for streets in different areas are being drawn up and they will have to get the approval of the local authorities. We will be reviewing our plans and we will attempt to minimize as much as possible any disruptions. The overall goal is to protect Ennis from floods.”
Major works will take place in the coming months at Francis Street and Ennis Courthouse where a new pumping station will be installed. Other areas including Harmony Row and Newbridge Road will be affected by the works.
Improvements to embankments near Knox’s bridge and the Clarecastle barrage also form part of the project.
Mr Long said, “The plan is to get it done as quickly s possible.”
Phase one of the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme, which involved works at Parnell Street and Mill Road, is credited with preventing floods in large areas of the town centre during November 2009.
Earlier this month 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 estimated cost of the project is € 4 million.