Incorrect measurements led to exploding costs for Kilkenny weir

ENGINEERS at the Department of the Marine expressed concerns that water level measurements at a controversial Kilkenny weir made for the project by international engineering consultants Mott McDonald were incorrect before the project was given the final go-ahead, the Irish Examiner has learned.

The bill for the ill-fated Lacken weir and extended Kilkenny floodworks subsequently spiralled from €13.1 million to €48 million as cost overruns and other difficulties mounted.

Mott McDonald were asked to perform measurements for an initial proposed weir location which the OPW said were 99% correct.