The Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief, Patrick O'Donovan, has visited Lough Funshinagh in County Roscommon to see the launch of flood protection works at the Lough.

During his visit, Minister O'Donovan said: "I am delighted that Roscommon County Council has taken the decision to proceed with urgent works to control the water levels at the Lough under the provisions contained in the Local Authorities (Works) Act 1949. The flooding has placed a considerable hardship on homeowners and the community and the news of the commencement of these works will help to alleviate the distress and anxiety that the flood levels and the continued threat of flooding is having in the area."

Roscommon County Council's decision to intervene is prompted by recent reports and a Hydrological update on Lough Funshinagh it has received which predict the potential for flood levels next winter to exceed previous records. Starting construction on the overflow pipe now will ensure enough time to lower the water level of the lake in advance of next winter.

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The urgent works have been designed by Malachy Walsh and Partners Consulting Engineers on behalf of Roscommon County Council and involve the construction of a 2.6 kilometres pipeline to an existing watercourse leading to the Shannon, associated ancillary works and a control structure at Lough Funshinagh.  

The Minister added: "Roscommon County Council has sought assistance from the OPW in the form of machinery and staffing. I am very pleased that the OPW is to undertake the works on behalf of Roscommon County Council. Works commenced on site on the 8th of June and the works are estimated to take between three and four months to complete."

Speaking at the meeting on site with Minister O'Donovan, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Eugene Cummins said: "On behalf of the Cathaoirleach, the Elected Members and the Executive of Roscommon County Council, I would like to thank Minister O'Donovan and the Government for making the resources of the OPW available to me to carry out these urgent works, that will allow the community of Lough Funshinagh to sleep safely next winter. I would also like to thank the present Municipal District Councillors and those politicians, who trusted me to make the right decision on their behalf, for the community of Lough Funshinagh, who had to live with the constant fear of flooding. In particular, I would like to thank Mr John Curtin and his colleagues in the OPW for their advice and assistance over the last few months."