Flood-protection works and river clearance to begin in Glenflesk

WORKS are to commence on flood protection works in Glenfleksk in March of this year to protect three homes in the area from flooding.

A tender document is currently being prepared by consultants for the works, which include the development of an embankment to protect the houses. This tender will be advertised in January for a contractor to be appointed, and the works will then progress. The works include a 130m-long reinforced concrete wall and a flood defence embankment of 125m in the townland of Garries and Foiladuane.

The river is also to be cleared as part of flooding-protection works in Glenflesk and Kerry County Council hope to undertake these works early this year. A meeting has taken place with local landowners to seek their permission to enter lands to reach the riverbank. Discussions have also taken place with Inland Fisheries Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service with regard to clearing the river.

Tree surgeons are required to undertake the clearance works, and this specialist work must also be put out to tender by the local authority. It is hoped to have a successful contractor in place and the works carried out this month.

Flooding in Glenflesk has long been an issue for local residents, and it is understood that concerns were raised about the effects of the work on land and other properties in the area, with councillors calling for reassurance on such effects. The council said the protection works would not affect the area and is the solution for flooding.