€80m to be spent on flood defence works on coastline

AROUND €80million is set to be spent on flood defences and prevention along Louth’s coastline, according to a new report under the National Flood Policy Review, CRFAM.

A number of catchment areas were highlighted across the country including those in the ‘Neagh Ban’ area which covers north Louth.

Coastal works were recommended for a number of areas including the Carlingford/ Greenore area, Dundalk and Blackrock South, Drogheda, Ardee and Baltray.

The report indicated that an estimated €40 million in coastal works were needed between Dundalk and Blackrock, primarily on 17 to 20 kilometres of ‘ hard defences.’

It also outlined that a further €23 million would be needed for flood embankments, walls and two pumping stations in the Carlingford and Greenore area.

A further €16.83 million is being proposed to be spent in Drogheda on embankments, walls and localised raising of raods and automated defences for the port area.

The report highlighted there were 1,880 properties in the Dundalk and Blackrock area that would be protected as a resulted of the extensive works being carried out.

There were a further 409 properties which would benefit from the new coastal works at Carlingford and Greenore.

In Drogheda, there were an additional 381 properties which would receive protection as a result of the works carried out there.

The extensive flood risk management plans were approved by the Minister in early May, and was presented to local authorities over the last few weeks.

Louth County Council voted to adopt the plan at their monthly meeting earlier this month.