A local TD thinks there's no reason why a project of this size cannot be handled locally.
Delays to flood relief work in a midlands town proves more responsibility should be devolved to local authorities.
That's the opinion of Sinn Féin's Brian Stanley, who says Laois County Council has made preparations for the project on Shannon Street in Mountrath, but is waiting for the green light from An Bord Pleanála since February.
The Laois-Offaly TD says there's no reason why works of this level can't be handled locally:
The local authority is looking to install an overflow pipe on the stream at Shannon Street.
Deputy Stanley added that "despite ABP stating that the average time for making decisions on such applications is 18 weeks , no decision has yet been made. This is disappointing facing into another winter and in the context of increasing frequency of heavy rainfall in a short space of time due to climate change.
"Funding is also available for other works at Patrick Street, which include the diversion of a wastewater drainage and sewer pipe from under the bridge. If both contracts were completed, it should greatly reduce the risk of serious flooding in the town."
The Mountrath native says he's to the Chairperson of ABP, Dave Walsh, in an effort to get them to move on this and grant consent to the Council and told him the prolonged delay unacceptable.
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