Current Planning Projects

Portarlington Strategic Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study

Laois and Offaly County Councils, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works (OPW), are currently undertaking a Strategic Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study to examine the flooding problem at Portarlington. The Councils both recognise that flood risk must be considered in a strategic manner before development can occur in areas known to be prone to flooding. The study will evaluate and quantify the flood risk to the Portarlington area, and will include an assessment of options that will reduce the frequency or impact of flooding from the River Barrow and its tributaries.

The team has completed their initial hydrological and hydraulic studies and has quantified the existing flood risk to Portarlington. An 'Environmental Constraints and Scoping Study' has also been prepared which describes the baseline environmental conditions and will inform the development of flood alleviation options. The team is now examining a range of viable flood alleviation scheme options, to determine their technical, economic and environmental viability.

Two Public Information Days were held on March 6th 2006, and August 4th 2006 to keep members of the public informed of the progress of the Strategic Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study. Findings from the Environmental Constraints and Scoping Study were presented alongside flood alleviation scheme options that were being considered. Members of the public had the opportunity to express their views, identify key data sources and raise any issues they felt should be considered.

It is envisaged that the Study will be completed by mid-January 2007.