13 years on and still no flood relief for Carrick-on-Shannon and Leitrim Village

In November 2009 Carrick-on-Shannon and Leitrim Village homeowners and businesses were fighting against the rising waters of the Shannon and other waterways. The floods invaded properties, swept up cars and destroyed infrastructure.Thirteen years on and the steering group are still considering the best options for the Flood Relief Scheme.

Leitrim County Council Senior Engineer, Shay O'Connor presented a report on the scheme this week to Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District meeting. He had the unfortunate job of informing Carrick area councillors that due to further assessments required, the programme will be delayed by up to 12 months - which will see planning approval submitted in late 2023 or early 2024. Mr O'Connor explained that they are considering improved conveyance of the river flow through Jamestown, where the canal and weir are located. Early indications suggest this may reduce flood levels in Carrick-on-Shannon and Leitrim Village. These assessments are outside of the current scheme area and will also require additional hydrology and hydraulic analysis of the river downstream towards Tarmonbarry.

In the interim, the steering group made up of the OPW, the council, consultants and other stakeholders are hoping to put in place temporary flood barriers to protect houses on the Keadue Road in Leitrim Village, improve surface water outfalls in Carrick-on-Shannon and upgrade the culvert on Knockanaima stream in Cortober, Carrick-on-Shannon.

The news of delay was met with much disappointment from the councillors. Cllr Enda Stenson demanded to know “who will make the final decision.” He said it could be five years before any construction works and said it was not good enough. Mr O'Connor said the steering group will make the final decision when they have all the assessments completed - and the planning permission will need to be passed by An Bord Pleanala. Cllr Des Guckian noted that it was 13 years since the flooding and still there were only “bit-een” responses. He outlined that Minister Kevin Boxer Moran had set a policy to move the river along as fast as possible and he asked if this is still happening as he had noticed “the Shannon creeping up daily.”
Cllr Guckian also asked about where Carrick's sewage will go if flooding comes and lasts a few weeks again. He also noted that rural flooding is a problem for farmers and moving it along could make it someone else's problem.

Mr O'Connor replied that the reason for the delay is to make sure that they do not pass on the problem of flooding downstream. He did note that the Flood Relief Scheme is to protect property - not land. He said Irish Water is being informed of the progress and it will be up to them to make plans for the sewerage system. Cllr Paddy Farrell said it was a pity they were not further along. He added that five weeks ago he had to move cattle out of a field due to flooding and he believes Leitrim Village is in “grave danger of flooding again.” Cllr Thomas Mulligan admitted that this delay would not go down well with the public. He asked if the option of glass wall defences in Carrick-on-Shannon depended on the report.
Mr O'Connor said the height of the glass walls will be determined by the results of the flood relief assessments.
He also explained that all local authorities along the Shannon are working in conjunction on the plans

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Cathaoirleach of Carrick MD Cllr Sean McGowan said they had been promised that one body would be set up to oversee the Shannon and this has not happened. He said the measures need to be co-ordinated from Limerick all the way up.