Tony Killeen, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry), has warned that large tracts of land along the River Fergus are in danger of being flooded.

Minister Killeen recently met with landowners, community representatives and concerned residents in Ballycorick, near Ballynacally, in connection with breached river embankments between Kildysart and Drumquin.

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The Clare TD continued: "There is a very real risk that properties and whole areas of farmland could be engulfed by flood water. Urgent remedial measures are now essential and I will continue to raise this issue with all the relevant authorities, including the Office of Public Works (OPW)."

Minister Killeen confirmed that the OPW would shortly be completing a feasibility study of the stretch of river between Drumquin and Kildysart.

"I would hope that this study would lead to works commencing on the strengthening of river embankments. Property and livelihoods must be protected at all costs and I feel that the continued weakening of river embankments requires urgent attention," concluded Minister Killeen.

(JM)