Carrick-on-Shannon Flood Relief Scheme - Options under consideration

The devastating floods in Carrick-on-Shannon in 2009 when the river broke its banks

placeholder image — The devastating floods in Carrick-on-Shannon in 2009 when the river broke its banks

Information packs to be distributed in Carrick area from tomorrow, Friday, July 7th

Since the first Public Consultation Event for the Carrick-on-Shannon Flood Relief Scheme, assessments have progressed, including data collection, preparation of a constraints study, ground investigations, environmental surveys, topographical and CCTV surveys, hydrological and hydraulic assessments, options identification and options development.

As part of the Public Consultation Process, Ryan Hanley, consulting engineers, would welcome your comments in relation to the options under consideration as presented at The Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon on Thursday, 20th July 2023 between 14:00 and 20:00 hours and any alternative options which you think should be investigated in addition to those presented.

Feedback is being sought in advance of the Thursday, 24th August 2023. Comments or completed questionnaires can be submitted by post or by email – see website for contact details.

Information packs, including the attached brochure and questionnaire, will be distributed by post in the Carrick on Shannon/ Cortober area from tomorrow, Friday, 7th July 2023.

All information regarding Public Consultation No. 2 and the Public Consultation Process can be viewed on the Carrick on Shannon Flood Relief Scheme website – this includes posters with further details on the options under consideration:https://carrickonshannonfrs.ie/project-info/public-engagement/public-consultation-day-no-2-20th-july-2023/

A third public consultation will take place following the identification of the preferred scheme, where further details of the engineering measures proposed will be available. You will be given a further opportunity to comment at this stage.

Options Considered

Opt. 1: Flood Defences - Carrick-on-Shannon and Cortober (Scheme Area), including flood walls, embankments, demountable defences, pumping stations, road regrading. Challenging ground conditions will make defences difficult and expensive to construct. Defences in public areas will affect views of the river.

Opt. 2: Offline Conveyance Improvements – Reduce flood levels in Carrick-on-Shannon and a distance upstream by constructing a new flood alleviation channel at Jamestown Canal. Option involves major civil engineering works (new channel as large as River Shannon) and will also have an effect on peak flows and water levels downstream.

Opt. 3: Lough Allen Storage with Online Conveyance Improvements – Reduce flood levels in Carrick-on-Shannon and a distance upstream by making significant changes in the way water levels in Lough Allen are managed, involving large scale civil engineering works at Bellantra Sluices, 1km deepening of River Shannon at Jamestown, replacement of Jamestown Weir, and underpinning of Jamestown Bridge. Would result in significant impact on navigation levels in Lough Allen, the environment and potentially increased flood risk to properties along the lake shore. Will have an effect on peak flows and water levels downstream of Jamestown.

Opt. 4: Online Conveyance Improvements – Reduce flood levels in Carrick-on-Shannon and a distance upstream by deepening 4km of River Shannon, replacing Jamestown Weir, and underpinning Jamestown Bridge. Will have an effect on peak flows and water levels downstream and significant effect on environment.