The second consultation for the Athy Flood Relief Scheme in County Kildare is taking place today (July 24).

The non-statutory Public Participation Day (PPD) commenced at 12pm and will run until 7pm this evening at the Athy Community Library.

This PPD serves as an opportunity for the public to share their views on all measures and options assessed for the Scheme.

The Athy Flood Relief Scheme is being led by Kildare County Council (KCC) in collaboration with the Office of Public Works (OPW), with engineering consultancy RPS appointed to carry out the comprehensive design. This initiative was prompted by the South-East Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study completed in 2017, which identified Athy as an Area for Further Assessment (AFA). The study concluded that a flood relief scheme would be both viable and beneficial for the town.

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Located along the River Barrow, Athy has experienced repeated flooding, with affected areas including Corran Ard Estate, the R417, Monasterin Road and surrounding roads and fields. These events have highlighted the need for a long-term solution to protect the community.

The scheme's key objectives are to develop a flood relief plan that is technically sound, socially and environmentally responsible and economically sustainable. It also includes the oversight of the scheme's construction and final delivery.

Implementation is planned across five stages over a nine-year period:

• Identification and Development of a Preferred Scheme;

• Planning / Development Consent;

• Detailed Construction Design, Work Packages, and Tenders for Contracts;

• Construction;

• Handover of Works.

Stage one began in October 2023 and is currently underway. A dedicated project website has been established to keep the public informed and provide updates as the scheme progresses.