More than €29 million is to be invested in six flood relief projects in Kilkenny.

The Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, has confirmed funding for schemes in Ballyhale, Freshford, Graiguenamanagh, Inistioge, Piltown and Thomastown.

Once completed, the projects will provide flood protection to over 360 properties.

Speaking in Kilkenny today, 17 July, Minister Moran said: "I am delighted to be here in Kilkenny today and to meet with Minister Phelan and the elected members and officials of Kilkenny County Council. Kilkenny City was one of the first areas to be addressed following a number of severe floods and has enjoyed the benefits of this investment over the past twenty years or so.

"We are meeting today to examine how to deliver on the flood risk management plans for the county and have agreed mechanisms for the progression of flood relief schemes for Ballyhale, Freshford, Graiguenamanagh, Inistioge, Piltown and Thomastown. These schemes involve an investment of over €29 million and once completed will provide flood protection to over 360 properties in Kilkenny.

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"Kilkenny County Council will be leading on the implementation of these six projects in collaboration with my Office. Kilkenny County Council will also be taking on additional engineering resources funded by my Office to progress and deliver these schemes as soon as possible."

Continuing, Minister Moran said measures set out in the flood risk management plans adopted by Kilkenny County Council "are not definitive and final".

"More detailed assessments are required at a local level and further public and stakeholder consultation will be undertaken," he said.

"As such, there is further scope for the community's views to influence the measures that are progressed to implementation.

"The Government is providing investment of €1 billion on flood relief over the next decade under Project Ireland 2040, our national development plan and it is committed to ensuring that the planning and delivery of flood relief solutions is achieved in the shortest possible timeframe.

"Significant progress has been made today in the advancement of flood relief schemes for Kilkenny. In partnership with Kilkenny County Council, I look forward to the delivery of these schemes for the community in the Marble County of Kilkenny."

(LM/MH)