Room for optimism on flooding in Athlone

THERE is room for optimism in relation to flooding in Athlone, according to one of those who organised protest rallies over flooding last winter.

Carrickobrien resident Tom Cleary, of the Shannon Systems Flood Alliance, said he is heartened to hear that some remedial works will be done in the short-term. He is hopeful that long-term works will be a priority, particularly given that so many people in the Athlone area have suffered due to flooding in recent years.

Mr Cleary attended the national flood conference organised by the Irish National Flood Forum (INFF) in Ballinasloe on Saturday.

In relation to works on the river, he said: “There will be nothing quick, there are so many things to look into. There will be work done with the Shannon. It won't happen this year except remedial work. Any work that is going to be done is a big help.”

One measure he is confident will help to alleviate flooding in rural areas is allowing water to run into cutaway bogs near Shannonbridge. “That should definitely help rural areas,” he said.

Mr Cleary, whose stables flooded last winter, told the Westmeath Independent: “For the first time in years it's looking bright for the Shannon.”

He said that relocation is likely to be considered in areas that cannot be protected including Clonown, Carrickobrien and Golden Island, “houses and in some cases farmyards”.