Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney has pledged full support for communities affected by flooding around Gort.
Minister Canney visited various locations in the Gort Lowlands area to see the flooding at first hand and meet with Galway County Council officials.
He said: “My resolve in finding solutions is undiminished and I assure the affected communities of my full support.
“More than €3.5 million has been spent on Minor Flood Relief Works in County Galway since 2016.
“Some schemes like Kiltiernan Ballinderreen, which was completed before Christmas, have proved to be good investments and are working well.
“I instigated the Gort Lowlands Flood Relief Scheme when I was Minister for the Office of Public Works.
“I am disappointed that the feasibility study for the scheme has been delayed but the council officials have assured me that the report will be ready in April.
“It is a unique scheme and the study has taken longer than envisaged to complete the scientific analysis required to deliver an engineering solution.
“I want to assure the people of Gort that I will continue to work to bring the project to fruition and ensure that the necessary funding is provided by the next Government.
“I am concerned that the Government has had to pay a €5 million fine over the Derrybrien debacle and face penalties of €15,000 a day until an environmental impact assessment is completed, when that money could have been better spent on flood relief schemes.”

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
February 25 2020