Construction work is continuing on the Dunkellin River & Aggard Stream Flood Relief Scheme in Co Galway.

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, Sean Canney, recently visited the site to view the progress of the work.

An Taoiseach said: "Projects such as this one at Dunkellin underline the Government’s ongoing commitment to vital flood relief projects all over the country. We have provided €430 million for Flood Risk Management in our Capital Investment Plan 2016 to 2021. This will see the annual allocation for flood defence works more than double from €45m to €100m. The Dunkellin Scheme is one of six major schemes already commenced in 2016 and this €6 million project will be of great benefit and comfort to the local community."

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Construction works on the Dunkellin Scheme, which is being managed and led by Galway County Council, commenced in June of this year and will be carried out over a three-year period. Works on the bypass channel at Craughwell commenced in September and should be completed in the first half of 2017, with works to the bridges at Rinn, Dunkellin and Killeely Beg to be commenced next Spring. The Council has also appointed a contractor to carry out vegetation clearing and tree management along the River channel.

Minister Canney said: "There are now 12 major capital flood relief schemes underway throughout the country and a further 23 schemes at design or development stage. These projects will provide protection to at least a further 9,000 properties at risk of flooding. The Minor Works Scheme is also delivering tangible results for many areas throughout the country and over €30 million has been provided to local authorities for almost 600 projects which is providing flood protection to over 5,000 properties."

(CD/MH)