RESIDENTS in a flood-prone Northside area have expressed delight after hearing that work on a scheme to alleviate the problem is to finally commence.
On Monday, October 14, the Office of Public Works (OPW) will begin construction of their site office to mark the beginning of the long-awaited Clanmoyle Flood Alleviation Scheme.
Residents on the road in Donnycarney have suffered on a huge scale after three major flooding episodes in 2008, 2009 and 2011.
Dublin City Council said it hopes that the main works on the scheme will commence a few weeks later.
“The council will inform residents of progress both directly and through its Local Area Office,
? a city council spokesperson told Northside People.
“The scheme is of importance as it will significantly reduce the flood risk to over 100 dwellings and buildings in the area, some of which have experienced significant flooding on more than one occasion in recent years.
“Dublin City Council is very grateful for support from major stakeholders and the local community in the procurement of this project.
?
Tommy Dargle, a resident of Clanmoyle Road, described the news as
“absolutely fantastic
?.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel now,
? Mr Dargle told Northside People.
“It will give us peace of mind. The residents I have spoken to are delighted.
?
Mr Dargle was one of the residents affected by the three major flooding episodes.
“It was a major upheaval,
? he said.
“We were insured for the first one but not the other two. We had a substantial outlay and thank God for the credit union.
?
Mr Dargle praised Cllr Damian O’Farrell (Ind) in particular for all his help.
“It was great to have someone to go to as a point of contact,
? he said.
“Dublin City Council have also been fairly on the ball. We get plenty of notice now if the weather forecast is bad. When the weather is like it was last week we can never relax and are always on guard.
?
Clontarf ward councillor Damian O’Farrell (Ind) said the announcement was great news for residents in Clanmoyle, but also other River Wad affected areas nearby in Collins Avenue, Whitehall and Beaumont.
“The site compound and much of the work is to take place on Clontarf Golf Club,
? he explained.
“The club is to be commended for their hard work and community spirit in helping out their next door neighbours.
“I have been speaking to residents in Clanmoyle and to say they are delighted is an understatement.
“It’s no exaggeration to say that normal family life is suspended when there is any hint of heavy rainfall. They really deserve this project to be a success.
?
Cllr O’Farrell added:
“I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of Dublin City Council.
?
Local councillor Naoise O Muiri (FG) extended his thanks in advance to members of Clontarf Golf Club for their
“forbearance
? as the works are completed.
“I have ensured that this has been maintained as the top priority flood protection project within the city,
? he said.
“I would like to assure residents of Clanmoyle Road that I will be keeping a close eye on progress to make sure the scheme gets delivered in a timely fashion.
?
In August, Northside People revealed that members of Clontarf Golf Club voted unanimously to agree to facilitate work on the vital scheme.
The work will take place on the club’s land in the area of the 12th, 13th and 14th holes.