Stagg presses KCC in relation to further study on flooding at Hazelhatch

Kildare North Labour General Election Candidate Emmet Stagg has been in further contact with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to progressing the examination of flooding in the Hazelhatch area of Celbridge.

The Minister previously advised Mr. Stagg that the Hazehatch area of Celbridge was assessed as part of the Eastern Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme. The Plans have identified the need for some further study of the area before being able to identify any feasible option to manage the existing flood risk.

The Minister also previously advised Mr. Stagg that until recently it was understood that the more frequent flooding experienced in the area was due to culvert blockages at Willow Dale and Willow Avenue in Primrose Gate.

Consultants were engaged by Kildare County Council to carry out a Hydraulic Study to model flow and blockage scenario in the area. This study highlighted the need for a re-assessment of the local hydrology and also revealed that an investigation of the operation of the local drainage network would also be necessary.

The Minister has again advised Mr. Stagg that the OPW and KCC have completed the development of the required project brief for the re-assessment of the local hydrology and the operation of the local drainage network and that commissioning this further study rests with Kildare Co. Council to progress.

Mr. Stagg stated that he would contact Kildare Co. Council in relation to commissioning this further study given that the Project Brief has been agreed for 3 months at this stage.

Mr. Stagg stated that 'funding will be available for a Flood Relief Scheme in the Hazelhatch area but we must first identify the cause of the flooding.'

"Ultimately the studies, for which the Project Brief has now been agreed, will identify viable structural and non-structural measures to manage flooding in the area which in turn will lead to the carrying out of a flood alleviation scheme for the area," he said.

In conclusion Kildare North Labour General Election Candidate Emmet Stagg stated that the identification and resolution of the flooding at Hazelhatch was of utmost importance to Residents in the area, St. Patricks National School, Celbridge GAA and Celbridge Tennis Club.