Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The River Slaney flood relief scheme is being progressed by the Office of Public Works, OPW, in conjunction with Wexford County Council. The scheme has been provided for in the OPW multi-annual capital expenditure budgets, and is one of the major schemes financed under the national development plan for the period from 2018 to 2027.

Consultants Mott MacDonald are leading on the design of the flood defences element, with Roughan O’Donovan Consulting Engineers commissioned to design the proposed new road bridge. The existing Seamus Rafter Bridge is a contributing factor to flooding in Enniscorthy and must be removed to ensure the success of the scheme. A replacement road bridge will be constructed just downstream of the town, crossing over the existing playground, and a new pedestrian bridge will be constructed in the area of the Seamus Rafter Bridge.

Initial site investigations have been completed, along with archaeological and ecological assessments and reports. An advance programme to control and eradicate invasive species of vegetation is under way. Following the identification of these invasive species within the site in 2015, a detailed survey was carried out to ascertain the full extent of the problem and to enable a management plan and treatment programme to be put in place. Treatment, which involves the controlled application of an approved herbicide, was carried out in 2016 and 2017. During 2018, the treatment of Japanese knotweed will take place in April and September and the treatment of Himalayan balsam will be carried out in July this year. Further advance construction elements involve relocation of services and utilities along the promenade are expected to commence in 2018.

The scheme design and environmental impact assessment report and other relevant reports will be made available to the public through the statutory exhibition process. Following this, submissions received will be assessed and designs may be amended as a result. Subsequently, formal confirmation or approval for the scheme will be sought from the Minister for Finance and for Public Expenditure and Reform, with construction expected to start in mid to late 2019.

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