'Concerning' rise in water levels at Lough Funshinagh after wet spell

Roscommon County Council has today (Wednesday) expressed concern about the threat of further flooding at Lough Funshinagh, in the south of the county, following the recent spell of persistent rain.

Water levels at the lake are now "extremely high for this time of year," the local authority stated.

"This is especially concerning when considering that peak levels are typically seen in early spring, which is still several months away," it pointed out.

Residents in Ballagh, Rahara, and other communities around Lough Funshinagh have been grappling with a worsening flooding crisis for several years now.

In its statement this afternoon, Roscommon County Council referred to the court-ordered halting of work in 2021 on a flood relief pipeline that had been due to funnel excess water from Lough Finshinagh to Lough Ree.

"Due to the High Court challenge taken by Friends of the Irish Environment against Roscommon County Council, flood relief works that would have protected homes, property and public infrastructure in the general vicinity of the lake cannot be completed and no new works can be undertaken," the council said.

"The council is fully committed to providing whatever flood protection measures can be provided and is in regular communication with local residents and public representatives.

"However and unfortunately, because of the court order, such measures are limited to localised flood defences and pumping in the immediate vicinity of the affected properties.

"These measures have been relatively effective so far this winter; however, there is a growing concern that as levels continue to rise due to climate change and unprecedented amounts of rainfall, we may reach a point at which such measures will no longer be adequate.

The council said it "continues to work in partnership" with the Office of Public Works to identify an acceptable long-term solution for Lough Funshinagh.

"The hydro-ecological field studies required to support any such solution are under way and should be completed before the end of 2024," it said

The local authority concluded its statement by saying it was "ever-mindful of the ongoing and immediate challenges facing local residents and the wider community".