From Left to Right - Back Row: Padraig O’Gorman, Director of Services, Carlow County Council, Tim Butler, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, Emir Slattery, Senior Executive Engineer, Kilkenny County Council, Joe Scully, Executive Engineer, Kilkenny County Council. Front Row: Cllr. John Pender, Cathaoirleach Carlow County Council, Kieran Thornton, Byrne Looby Partners, Colette Byrne, Chief Executive, Kilkenny County Council and Cllr. Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, Cathaoirleach Kilkenny County Council.
On Tuesday, March 10th 2020, Kilkenny County Council as the lead authority in partnership with Carlow County Council and the OPW, signed the contract with ByrneLooby Partners to Advance and Implement a Flood Relief Scheme for Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch.
This scheme is part of the €1bn national fund announced by the Government for flood relief schemes throughout the Country in May 3rd 2018. Graiguenamanagh / Tinnahinch is on the Kilkenny Carlow border and Kilkenny County Council are acting as the lead authority for the scheme. The Town has long been affected by flooding events from both the Barrow and Duiske Rivers. The appointment of consultants is a milestone for the Town and the first step towards the protection of communities and businesses.
There are five further schemes to be progressed in County Kilkenny over the next few years and Kilkenny County Council is currently progressing to appoint a consultant on the Ballyhale Scheme. It hopes to advance to the remaining 4 (Piltown, Inistioge, Thomastown and Freshford) on approval from the OPW.
Speaking at the signing of the contract Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Cllr. Peter 'Chap' Cleere said:
"Today marks a new dawn for the people of Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch. This Flood Relief Scheme will alleviate the risk of Flooding to the entire Community and one that is technically, socially, environmentally and economically acceptable. It will see works in both the Duiske and the Barrow Rivers and enhancements to the public realm with an estimated overall investment of over €9million. "
Also speaking at today's signing of the contract Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council - Cllr. John Pender said:
"I welcome today's advancement of the Flood Relief Scheme for the Community of Tinnahinch and Graiguenamanagh and the significant investment into protecting vulnerable communities, people, property and businesses. I also acknowledge the partnership and cooperation that exists between Carlow and Kilkenny County Council and look forward to the progression of this scheme."