Letter to the Editor Concern over two proposed flood and sewage schemes

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed Arklow flood defence and sewage treatment plant which are now in the planning stages.

This proposal displays a total disregard for the environment, historical heritage, and local population. At present all over Ireland, beautiful riverbanks, ancient bridges and places of natural beauty have been demolished and lost forever.

Sewage Treatment Plant

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the public meetings held with regard to the treatment plant proposals.

I would have asked the following questions:

1. Why was the IFI Site rejected? This facility is ideal; it has power and gas and an existing pipe line from the town which could easily be modified to suit.

2. What plans are in place to alleviate traffic chaos on the already suffering Ferrybank and North Quay area when construction begins?

The North quay without a sewage plant would be a major attraction for future investors to develop, the possibilities are endless.

The flood defences and safety legislation, access to the bridge during that phase of the project would be severely curtailed, if allowed at all.

This will have terrible implications for the Ferrybank and Bridgewater areas. I ask what alternatives the planners have prepared to alleviate this problem?

Removal of the bend

This bend was deliberately placed at this particular point to remove and divert the power from the waves coming up the river so they would not strike the bridge. Proof that their design has worked is that the bridge has survived for over 200 years.

The statement that removal of the bend will help excess river water flow out to sea is misleading as a little further down river from the site of this proposal, the distance between the piers is narrower and longer than that alleged choke point.

The Wall

In the recent history of Arklow harbour the river has never overflowed below Tyrrells slip. SOLUTION

A simple alternative is temporary flood barriers such as Aquafence. These barriers can be easily stacked and stored, and quickly deployed during an emergency. Their effectiveness can be seen on the internet.

Before any construction starts, Arklow people should ask their Councillors and TDs to formally request Irish Water and Wicklow County Council to examine the points raised in this letter, and request answers.

If people are fobbed of with replies, such as ‘It’s two late the planning is already in’, remember rocket launches to space have been aborted, at the last second.

My purpose in writing is to highlight some options and to prevent years of major inconvenience plus the destruction of what is deemed a place of outstanding natural beauty all part of a long suffering and neglected town.

Yours Sincerely, Seamus Fitzgerald