Q: How has the scheme been funded?
A: The OPW is providing funding for the initial phases of the project (feasibility and initial design) and will also fund construction works when planning permission has been granted.
Q: How bad was the flooding in November 2017?
A: We are still working on our analysis of the flooding that affected Mountmellick and will be reporting back when we know more. Although severe, the scheme will be designed to provide protection against a more extreme flood than the 2017 event.
Q: What is the purpose of the scheme?
A: The scheme will improve the standard of flood protection for Mountmellick to protect against the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (1 in 100 year) fluvial (river) flood event.
Q: Is there anything planned for other parts of County Laois?
A: The OPW commissioned a series of Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Studies, including the South Eastern CFRAM, which covers is a separate study being commissioned by the OPW. This looked at flood risk and its management across other towns and villages in Laois and surrounding counties. The South Eastern CFRAM Study will resulted in publication of a Flood Risk Assessment and Management Plan which outlined flood management measures for other towns. As a result of the FRMP, OPW have prioritised schemes for Portlaoise, Clonaslee and Rathdowney in Laois. More information on the CFRAM Studies can be found on the project website http://www.floodinfo.ie/.
Q: Will the scheme increase the risk of flooding in other places?
A: No, this will be a key consideration in our design. We will considered the impacts on Mountmellick as a whole, rather than focusing on the places that flooded in 2017, to ensure that any works completed as part of this a scheme do not increase the flood risk to surrounding lands.
Q: Am I at risk of flooding?
A: You can look at the flood maps on the OPW’s CFRAM website to see the flood extents for Mountmellick and other towns within the CFRAM study area http://www.floodinfo.ie/.
Q: How can I find out more about the study?
A: We will be keeping this website updated with the latest news and details of forthcoming public consultation events. You can also use the 'Contact us' page to ask a question or provide feedback, or register to be emailed with project updates.
Q: Who can help?
A: The OPW provides advice for people whose properties and businesses are at risk of flooding. For more information, and to help you prepare, click here (link to https://www.opw.ie/en/floodriskmanagement/)
