Athy flood relief scheme to begin construction in 2028
Flooding in Athy in 2009
THE Athy Flood Relief Scheme is on schedule to begin construction by 2028 and to be fully completed and operational by the end of 2030.
This means that the town – which is situated along the Barrow and has experienced recurring flooding events – faces a wait of nearly four years for the scheme aimed at alleviating the risk of flooding to be fully operational.
A submission of the environmental impact assessment report for the scheme to An Coimisiún Pleanála is scheduled for the final quarter of this year.
The update was received through the means of a report issued by senior executive engineer in the environment department at Kildare County Council Edele O’Brien in response to cllr Mark Leigh, who brought forward a question on the agenda at the most recent meeting of Athy Municipal District asking for he and his fellow elected members be updated on the matter.
The report included the following details on the progress of the scheme, which is overseen by the steering group, which consists of council staff, the Office of Public Works and RPS (the consulting engineers appointed to carry out the design of the scheme).
“To date, the existing hydrology of the River Barrow, Moneen River and Bennets stream has been reviewed, hydraulic models have been completed and preferred options have been assessed. Two public participation days have been held in Athy Library and the feedback received has been incorporated into the optioneering process.”
Ms O’Brien’s report further noted that the options development report is currently being finalised.
The purpose of this report is to identify “the preferred option for a scheme in Athy” and includes a cost-benefit assessment of the potential options. Once the report has been reviewed by the steering group, it “will be submitted to OPW and approval sought to progress the scheme to planning.”
It was added that “once approved, a third public participation day will be held to share the preferred option for the scheme.” Cllr Leigh said that he was happy with the report and thanked Ms O’Brien for it.
A flood risk assessment began in 2017, with the conclusion being that the relief scheme was to be undertaken. Approval for the council to proceed with the scheme was granted by the OPW in 2023.
The council stated last month that the masterplan for the development of the Dominican lands in the town is currently on hold as the project is subject to the selection of the preferred option for the scheme.
Up-to-date information on the scheme is available at: https://www.floodinfo.ie/frs/en/athy/home/.
