No immediate action is possible to address flooding issues in Thurles.
Today a meeting was held involving Tipperary councillors, council officials and representatives from Irish Water.
The Thurles Municipal District members outlined in great detail the impacts that these flood events are having on the town and the difficulties being experienced by local businesses and residents, particularly on Friar Street.
Irish Water representatives from the Waste Water Network Asset Planning section confirmed that they were aware of the issues and that they realised the extent of these issues.
Surveys and analysis of the network had recently been completed of the existing waste water infrastructure, with the view to prioritising future sewer upgrade works as part of the town’s Drainage Area Plan.
Irish Water representatives confirmed that they will also examine and consider how design options could be implemented on a phased approach, so that works in certain parts of the town could be expedited, such as Friar Street.
Once design options are advanced further, then Irish Water will present the solutions to Tipperary County Council.
The elected members requested that Irish Water should also attend a meeting with the Councillors and the affected businesses and local residents on Friar Street.
Irish Water undertook to attend such a meeting only when designs are advanced and more details are known.
No timelines have been identified for the completion of the designs and the allocation of funding.
In a statement Tipperary county council says the County Council, Thurles Municipal District and Irish Water together will ensure “appropriate and robust responses will continue during any future flood events”. Residents and business owners have criticised the lack of support and an appropriate response during the recent flood event.
