Council responds to concerns about works

NUMBER OF ISSUES ON NORTHLANDS FLOOD RELIEF WORKS

MEATH County Council (MCC) has responded to a number of concerns raised by locals in relation to the Flood Relief Works currently being carried out in the Northlands estate in Bettystown.

The council started works on site in October 2016 following the preparation of a flood prevention scheme for the estate in response to a number of flooding instances in the area.

The main works include replacing the existing stream channel with a concrete channel, constructing a reinforced concrete flood retaining wall around the stream in the central green area and the installation of non-return valves on the existing storm drainage to prevent floodwaters backing up the existing road gullies or manholes.

Responding to concerns raised by Councillor Fergus O’Dowd on behalf of a number of local resident about the works taking place, MCCs Senior Executive Officer Larry Whelan said that rather than painting the reinforced concrete wall installed to replace the fence that was there previously and following liaison with the residents association, it was agreed to provide for a trellis to the wall which will facilitate planting around the flood wall to enable it to become a more attractive feature in the estate.

‘Health and Safety Concerns expressed by some residents in respect of the type of trellis to be used and particularly climbing concerns, have been taken on board and a solution has been identified that addresses this issue,’ he said, adding that this was also discussed with residents in a meeting with MCC engineer David Keys last Wednesday.

‘ The scheme is designed to protect the residents and prperties in the estate from the 100 year flood event with an additional freeboard. The facility when complete will be maintained by Meath County Council. Maintenance will be carried out by mini-excavator and removal of spoil material,’ he said.

Mr Whelan said that in the event of localised blockages and flooding outside of the stream channel there are pumping points to be installed as part of the scheme to facilitiate over-pumping into the channel should the need arise.

A Traffic Management Consultancy has been engaged for this scheme and their designs have been implemented on site to date.

He said in relation to the point made that the new structure should contribute/enhance the character of the area, the council and the OPW were always congnisant that the flood structure on the village green should not be an unattractive feature in the estate thus the introduction of the trellis to facilitiate planting and shielding of the wall.

Mr Whelan said the council had kept in contact with the residents association from the early stages of the project.