Multi-million euro flood scheme blocked because of environmental concerns

Millions of euro in damage was caused by the extensive flooding in Enniscorthy when a deluge of rain hit the town and parts of the county on Christmas Day. Picture: Patrick Browne

A multi-million euro flood relief scheme aimed at stopping annual flooding, costing hundreds of thousands of euro in damage to businesses and homeowners, has been refused permission because of a shellfish.

Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath has rejected the Enniscorthy flood relief proposal based on a detailed assessment of the environmental impact of the scheme.