Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran Welcomes Further Progress on the Euros10 Million Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme With the Commencement of Works at the Quay for the Next Phase of Flood Relief Works in Athlone

TRIM, Ireland, April 10 -- Ireland's Office of Public Works issued the following news release:

Mr. Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, was in Athlone today to review the commencement of preliminary works by OPW staff on the flood relief works at The Quay, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. The works starting this week on The Quay and at Brick Island are the next two areas for construction in the town while the works at Iona Park are due to be completed shortly, having been started in 2017.

The preliminary works starting this week on The Quay will entail archaeological test excavations to be carried out under the supervision of the Project Archaeologist, Ed Danaher. Subject to no issues arising, the construction of the flood relief works will follow on. These works will include the construction of stone faced concrete walls, some glass walls, floodgates and various drainage works.

The Minister expressed his satisfaction that the Scheme for Athlone was being advanced so well and said, "This is an absolutely vital Government investment for the economic and social wellbeing of Athlone which will provide much needed protection for over 500 properties within Athlone and the region. I am delighted to be here today to witness the start of the next phase of works in Athlone. It is to the credit of all parties involved to be making such progress and I must thank Westmeath County Council, the consultants RPS and the staff of the OPW for their efforts so far."

Westmeath Council has already progressed four of the eight flood cells through the planning stage with another cell at the Strand currently at planning, with the remaining cells to be progressed to planning later this year. Subject to planning approval and the completion of the detailed design, it is hoped to commence construction works in seven of the eight areas by the end of 2018. The Minister went on to add, "Great work is being carried out here for the people of Athlone town and I'm very happy to be associated with this project which will bring significant benefit to Athlone when completed."