By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, T.D. and Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council have met with elected representatives from Enniscorthy Municipal District and provided an update on the progression of the Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme.
The Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme is part of the Government’s strategy under Project Ireland 2040 to make Ireland a better country for all and to build a more resilient and sustainable future.
The scheme currently has an approved total project budget of approximately €51 million and will be funded through the Government’s 2030 National Development Plan with €1.3 billion for flood relief measures, including from the impacts of climate change through future-proofed, adaptable flood relief schemes.
Elected representatives from Enniscorthy Municipal District were informed that Wexford County Council, with the support of the OPW, is undertaking the development of a flood relief scheme for Enniscorthy, which will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 of the scheme will involve the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, which poses a significant obstruction to river flow through the town centre during flood events, and the construction of a new road bridge and new pedestrian bridge to replace the Seamus Rafter Bridge.
Phase 2 of the scheme will involve the construction of the remaining flood relief works required for the town.
Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, T.D. noted the OPW and Wexford County Council’s commitment to the progression of the scheme and welcomed the constructive engagement with elected representatives from Enniscorthy Municipal District.
“The OPW and Wexford County Council are committed to progressing a flood relief scheme for Enniscorthy, which will protect the local community from significant flood events such as that in 2015. While the delivery of flood relief schemes are complex and challenging, the OPW and Wexford County Council are steadfast in its commitment to deliver a scheme for the people of Enniscorthy,” said Minister Moran, who added; “I welcome today’s constructive engagement with elected representatives from Enniscorthy Municipal District and I look forward to updating the members again as the scheme progresses through various stages of development including planning and construction”.
Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council said; “We welcome the meeting with Minister Moran today as a positive sign of the ongoing commitment to the flood protections for Enniscorthy town. There have been a number of serious flooding incidents here over the years and it is vital we can secure a sustainable future for the businesses and residents in the area. As a council we are unwavering in our determination to see this project to fruition and look forward to working with the OPW to make this happen as expediently as possible”
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