Plans have been announced for major upgrades to the flood defences in Shannon town, Co Clare.

The works will involve constructing new defences as well as upgrading the existing ones.

The project will be delivered by the Office of Public Works (OPW), Clare County Council and the Shannon Airport Authority.

Minister of State at The Office of Public Works & Flood Relief, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, announced the plans during a visit to Shannon yesterday, 18 December.

Speaking to elected officials, members of Shannon Airport Authority, OPW and County Council officials in Shannon, the Minister said: "I am delighted to announce the progression of this joint scheme between the OPW, Clare County Council and the Shannon Airport Authority. This will combine the three separate work elements of the airport embankments upgrade, Shannon town embankments upgrade and the Shannon town fluvial defence works to achieve protection against at least the 1 in 200 year tidal flood event and the 1 in 100 year fluvial flood event.

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"Flooding can cause devastation to communities and businesses in towns such as Shannon. It can also pose enormous risks to critical regional and national infrastructure such as here at Shannon airport. It is very encouraging therefore to see the three organisations working together to advance this very important joint project.  

"My commitment as Minister and that of the Government to protect individuals, families, communities and businesses throughout the country against the most serious risk and impact of flooding is underpinned by an allocation of €1 billion in initiatives to protect threatened localities from river and coastal flood risk over the next ten years. This investment forms part of the Ireland 2040 National Development Plan.

"I look forward to seeing continued progress on this joint project over the coming years."

(CM/MH)