OPW have ‘nothing to be afraid of’ says Tipperary councillor

Councillor Noel Coonan has asked for a report from the Office of Public Works (OPW) on the incomplete flood relief works at the Mall Templemore.

He told officials at this week’s sitting of Thurles-Templemore District Council that the works so far had prevented flooding.

“It’s a good news story really for Templemore, but it’s not finished,” said Cllr Coonan.

District engineer Thomas Duffy said the OPW did not respond to invites to update the council.

He said he believes they intend to finish the work before they answer elected members questions.

Cllr Coonan said it was this reason he would like to meet with the OPW.

He quipped:

“Tell them there is nothing to be afraid of.”

The OPW had met with the Thurles-Templemore Municipal District Council in 2017.

However, it was reported at the time that they were met with anger when representatives could not answer the councillor's questions.

Although the OPW had said they would return with answers, they elected instead to provide a written response.

Cllr Coonan said he couldn’t understand why it was taking so long when the funding was allocated by Minister for State Patrick O’Donvan.

Mr Duffy said he could not speak on behalf of the OPW, but it was his understanding that the funding and incomplete works are to do with an addition to the scheme.

In October this year, Minister for State O’Donovan responded to a question by Cavan-Monaghan TD Pauline Tully on the progress of flood relief works around the country.

According to his response dated October 17, the River Mall (Templemore) Flood Relief Scheme is due for completion in quarter two of 2024.