Funding for flood relief scheme to protect Kildare homes

Fianna Fail TD James Lawless has confirmed that the Office of Public Works have awarded funding for the remainder of the Lower Morrell Flood Relief Scheme. The Lower Morrell area covers the rural townlands of Kileenmore, Alasty, Painestown, Daars and Turnings between Sallins, Straffan and Clane. This region has been hit repeatedly by flooding over the past several years as the Morrell and Painestown rivers burst their banks during periods of high rainfall.   Confirming the funding, Mr Lawless said “This funding will be very welcome news to the many families I have been representing in the area. "I have raised this matter repeatedly when on Kildare County Council and with the Minister in the Dáil. "I have also worked directly with the council on progressing this project, including lobbying the Minister for final allowances to complete the scheme. It's believed that Kildare Co Council will have primary responsibility to complete the project. Mr Lawless added: "Credit must go to Director of Services Joe Boland of Kildare County Council for his Department's efforts in progressing this scheme." Fine Gael T.D. for Kildare North, Deputy Bernard Durkan said: "This is an important development for residents of the area who have long campaigned to achieve this result. The funding will address the constant fear of flooding and flooding that has been an issue in the Morrell catchment area for several years and will compliment the works already undertaken."   Kildare North Labour Representative Emmet Stagg stated that the scheme proposed represents the best solution to address the flooding problems for the Lower Morrell catchment area and he congratulated Brian Coonan and other local residents who had campaigned for the scheme. Mr. Stagg also congratulated Edele O'Brien in Kildare Co. Council on successfully bringing the scheme to the stage we are at now and Alan Dunney who previously worked on the scheme.