Consultation period extended on Gort flood relief scheme
A new one-month consultation ‘window’ has been approved by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in relation to the recently announced Gort Lowlands Flood Relief Scheme.
The consultation period for the proposed €14 million relief scheme had been due to come to an end at the beginning of next month (April 3) – but has now been extended because of communications problems caused by the Covid restrictions.
Farmers and householders impacted by the flooding in the Gort area for many years were anxious to have ‘on-the-ground’ and ‘face-to-face’ discussions with OPW and County Council design team representatives – but this wasn’t possible due to the Covid restrictions.
Now, Minister of State for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan, has agreed to a ‘fresh month’ of direct consultations on the project – once the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted.
“As soon as possible after the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, the OPW and Galway County Council will commence the additional consultation period.
“Notices will be placed in the local newspapers and on the project website in advance of its commencement. I look forward to further engagement with the community during this additional consultation period,” said Minister O’Donovan.
Former OPW Minister of State, Deputy Seán Canney, welcomed this extra month of consultation when the Covid restrictions would be lifted. This is a shortened preview version of this article. To read the rest of the story, see the current edition of the Connacht Tribune. You can buy a digital edition HERE.