Flood solutions to be explored at landmark Laois mill

New ways to relieve flooding at an landmark Laois mill are being explored by Laois County Council.

Problems at Bailey’s Mill, Newtown were raised with council officials at a recent meeting in County Hall Portlaoise.

Cllr John King, Fine Gael, tabled a motion calling on the local authority to modify the sluice gate on the Mill weir near Durrow to allow the free flow of water during heavy flooding.

Edmond Kenny, District Engineer, indicated that it’s accepted that work is needed at the mill which is linked to Newtown House.

“The sluice gate, which controls and regulates the flow through the weir at Newtown, becomes submerged during high flood conditions. Alternative lifting mechanisms are being explored to ensure the free movement of the sluice during flood events,” he said.

Cllr King said climate change means flooding can happen at any time. He called for button press technology to open the sluice gate at the mill which is near the River Ghoul. 

“A flood can occur in the space of an hour,” he said.

He added that there is a similar problem in Rathdowney.

Cllr James Kelly, Independent, supported his colleague saying Mountrath has fallen victim to floods. He said flooding impacts residents and land.

The former flower mill is four-storey building with mill wheel and pond. The millrace runs off the main river and feeds a large millpond before entering the mill itself.

The issue was raised at the September meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.