Athy and Newbridge to benefit from new Flood relief plans-Kildare TD
By Kim O'Leary
Kildare will benefit from a ten-year €1 billion Programme of Investment in Flood Relief Measures, Fine Gael TD, Martin Heydon, has said.
It is understood that 118 new flood relief schemes were announced in Athlone by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran last week which include measures for Athy, Castledermot, Newbridge and Suncroft.
The Flood Risk Management Plans published allows the Government to build on significant investment on previous flood defence schemes around the country.
Deputy Martin Heydon said: “This is great news for people in Newbridge, Athy, Castledermot and Suncroft. I’m delighted to see the Government have listened to the people here in Kildare and a plan for flood relief schemes has been announced for these areas. The measures proposed for Castledermot and Suncroft can be carried out under Minor Works with the remaining schemes awaiting funding decisions. "
Deputy Heydon confirmed that he would continue to liaise with Minister Kevin Boxer Moran and his officials to ensure the works are progressed as soon as possible. "We all know that flooding can have an appalling impact on our families and businesses, through these state of the art flood defences we will be able to give people some piece of mind," added Deputy Heydon.
Meanwhile, a new website www.floodinfo.ie has been launched where people can view the community risk and measures in place and now proposed to tackle flood risk in Newbridge and Athy, as well as the rest of the country.
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar sai:“I want to pay tribute to the OPW, local authorities, communities and all those organisations who worked together to develop these Flood Risk Management Plans. They are a testament to how this Government takes informed decisions on investment for major capital projects - by targeting investment against a strong evidence base. The Government is committed to the delivery of these Plans for the benefit of businesses and communities nationwide."