Minister Of State Killeen Seeks Drainage Works On Inagh River

Minister Killeen said that landowners based along a stretch of the river between Ennistymon and Inagh had expressed concern to him that flooding problems had been caused by a lack of maintenance of the river channel.

"While rejecting any suggestions of a link between incidences of flooding and lack of maintenance, Clare County Council has agreed to remove trees and scrub from the riverbank in the near future", explained the Minister.

He continued, "The local authority is conducting a survey of the Inagh Drainage District to identify how best to spend the limited funding available. It says that it will seek advice from the relevant authorities, including the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, regarding the most appropriate time for tree and scrub removal from the riverbank. Health and Safety issues, access and farming practices, along with large river flows are also factors to be contended with."

Meanwhile, Minister Killeen has learned that a recent inspection of the Inagh Drainage District by the Office of Public Works (OPW) found that some parts of the river required maintenance.

He continued, "The OPW has concluded that the section of the river between Glen Castle and Drumcullaun Lake is in good condition generally. However, it also states that some vegetation mostly upstream at Moananagh Bridge should be removed."

"The OPW report backs up Clare County Council’s assertion that such vegetation is not a major contributory factor to flooding problems in the area," concluded Minister Killeen.

Clare County Council’s responsibility for maintenance of the Inagh River Drainage District commences approximately 600 metres upstream of the Ennistymon Woollen Mills and eastwards towards Inagh.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request