By Dan Walsh at Riverside Park Hotel
Wexford County Council and the OPW (Office of Public Works) are developing a Flood Relief Scheme for Enniscorthy. A public consultation on the option selection was held at Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Wednesday.
Phase 1 involves removing the Seamus Rafter Bridge, which obstructs the River Slaney during floods. A new road bridge and pedestrian bridge will be built above predicted flood levels.
Enniscorthy has experienced significant flooding in 1924, 1947, 1965, 2000, 2015, 2018, and 2021, leading to property damage, commercial disruption, and traffic issues.
Phase 1 aims to provide relief for the town by removing the Seamus Rafter Bridge which becomes inaccessible when the river is in flood.
While opinions may vary on the scheme’s future, feedback from the consultation day indicates that Option 5 is the preferred choice. This option includes a bridge located about 120 metres downstream of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, connecting the R772 Wexford road and The Promenade.
A questionnaire and supporting documentation is available on the project website www.enniscorthyfrs.ie and when completed should sent via email to enniscorthyfrs-phase1@rod.ie or by post marked ‘Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme, Phase 1 Submission’ addressed to Roughan & O’Donovan, Arena House, Arena Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18. Closing date is Tuesday, June 10th 2025.
HISTORY; The Seamus Rafter Bridge was named in honour of Seamus Rafter (1873-1918), a native of Monalee, Ballindaggin, whose memorial stands close-by.
It was opened by Padraic Flynn TD, Minister for the Environment on May 31st 1991 in the presence of the Chairman of Wexford County Council Senator Hugh Byrne, the Chairman of Enniscorthy Urban District Council John Browne TD and County Manager Noel Dillon.
The Consultant Engineer was John B Barry and Partners and the contractor was Ascon Limited.
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