Floods’ victim welcomes €135k commitment to relief works

A VICTIM of last year’s winter flooding, Susan Walsh, yesterday welcomed an announcement that the Office of Public Works (OPW) is to spend €135,000 aimed at preventing further flooding in Ennis, Co Clare.

Ms Walsh, together with her husband, five-year-old daughter Shannon and seven-week-old baby Samaya, were evacuated by boat in Ennis in the early hours of November 19 last.

The evacuation was one of 40 carried out of homes in the Watery Road, Oakwood Drive and Elm Park – many of them by boat – as the flood levels reached critical levels.

The mother-of-two said yesterday: “It is great news because we were dreading the winter because of what we went through last year. Having to stay out of our homes was cruel and there was no way that we could go through that a second time. That was our main worry.”

She added: “I’m sure all of the families will be delighted with the news but, hopefully, the works can be completed before the winter.”

Clare County Council confirmed the works in the Watery Road will provide protection to vulnerable areas, including Oakwood Drive, Elm Park.

Ms Walsh – along with 107 other people made homeless – were provided with emergency shelter by Clare County Council. Some, including the Walsh family, had to remain at the West County Hotel for one month.

Clare County Council yesterday announced a comprehensive programme of flood alleviation works for the town of Ennis.

The council confirmed it has received €135,000 from the OPW.

A €250,000 Aughanteeroe Flood Alleviation Scheme on the Gort Road in Ennis is scheduled for completion later this year.

Senior engineer Tom Tiernan said the OPW has agreed in principle to combining other schemes at St Flannan’s and Ballybeg.