The Office of Public Works (OPW) has been urged to review its decision not to sanction upgrading and repair works to embankments along the River Fergus.

The OPW undertook a feasibility study of the embankments after local TD Tony Killeen met with landowners, community representatives and concerned residents in connection with the potential flooding of large tracts of land, namely between Drumquin and Kildysart.

Junior Finance Minister Martin Manseragh claimed the costs of the required works would outweigh the benefits accrued.

In a letter to Mr Killeen, Mr Manseragh said: "As no dwellings are protected by the defence structures, the transfer of control of the management of said structures to the Commissioners of Public Works may take some time, having regard to existing commitments for priority flood relief works elsewhere."

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Mr Killeen said he was disappointed with the OPW's findings.

"I believe there is a very real risk that properties and whole areas of farmland could be engulfed by flood water as a result of weakened river embankments," he said.

The TD claimed urgent remedial measures are essential and pledged to continue to raise this issue with all the relevant authorities.

He said he will be asking the OPW to review the findings of its study.

"I have visited key locations along the river where relatively modest repair work to embankments at this point would extend their life period by up to ten years," said the TD.

"Property and livelihoods must be protected at all costs and I feel that the continued weakening of river embankments requires urgent attention," he added.

(PR/JM)