Flood defence plans going back on public display
THE Enniscorthy flood defence scheme will go on public display for a second time in the local library on May 17.
The scheme will remain on public view until Tuesday, June 18, at 5.30 p.m.
In a report presented to the members of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council at this months meeting resident engineer, Larry McHale, informed the councillors that following the public consultation period the scheme will go the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for approval.
The main construction work on the scheme will take place once that approval has been granted.
‘I presume were are doing this for the people of Enniscorthy to see this in its entirety,’ said Cllr Keith Doyle,
‘ This is it,’ he added.
‘ This is a statutory process,’ replied Mr McHale.
The members were told that a statutory notice was going to all affected landowners inviting them to make observations on the scheme.
Those observations will then be considered by the OPW, however, within four weeks of the public display period ending the scheme will be submitted for approval to the department.
‘ There may be changes but they will be done within the four week period,’ said Mr McHale.
‘It’s a statutory process,’ he added.
Cllr Doyle then asked if the observations would only be allowed from the landowners rather than the general public as well.
District Manager, Liz Hore, said the views of the public were considered as part of the overall process and Director of Services, John Carley, pointed out that Mr McHale had met with ‘every single landowner’ involved.
‘We expect confirmation early in the New Year,’ said Mr McHale.
‘We will get them out to tender so we will be ready to go when we get confirmation,’ he added.
Cllr Paddy Kavanagh then remarked that discussions in relation to the project had been going on for many years.