Lough Funshinagh interim flood relief scheme works start

Landowners living in the vicinity of Lough Funshinagh are breathing a sigh of relief this week at the news that enabling works have begun for the long-awaited flood relief scheme.

The welcome news was announced by Athlone-based Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, TD, who confirmed that works have begun on the enabling infrastructure for the interim flood relief scheme at Lough Funshinagh.

The contractor, acting on behalf of Roscommon County Council, anticipates that the enabling works will be completed within approximately four weeks.

The scope of the initial phase of interim works includes the establishment of the pumping compound, the over-ground placement of pipework, and the construction of an outfall structure at the Cross River. Mechanical pumping equipment and the necessary associated pipework will begin arriving on-site this week.

Roscommon County Council expects to have the construction of the interim flood relief scheme completed and commissioned by the end of March 2025.

All works are being closely supervised by Roscommon County Council staff, along with the appointed technical and environmental consultants, and are being carried out in full compliance with the recent planning consent granted by An Bord Pleanála in January 2025.

In parallel with these interim measures, Roscommon County Council is progressing the design and environmental assessments to find a viable solution and it is anticipated that an application for a permanent solution will be prepared and ready for submission to An Bord Pleanála towards the end of 2025.

Minister Moran expressed his thanks to the associated stakeholders for helping to bring the scheme to this significant stage, and in particular the landowners that have facilitated the scheme to date.