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.
€200,000 In Cash And Substantial Amount Of Drugs Seized In Laois
Massive Laois Operation Leads To Multiple Arrests In Connection With Stolen Vehicles
Over 300 New Dwellings Completed In The Midlands This Year
Concerns Raised Over Emergency Power Plant In The Midlands
National Ploughing Association Appoints New President, Chair And Vice-Chair
Offaly Boy 'Raring To Go' After Life-Saving Procedure
Over €7m In Just Transition Funding For The Midlands
Cancer Numbers Could Double By 2045 - Offaly Charity
First-Ever Laois Cost-Rental Homes Officially Opened
Late Laois Two-Year-Old's Organs Used To Save Three Children
State Expects To Exceed 2023 Midlands Housing Delivery
Abolishment Of Carer's Means Test May Be Halted By "Permanent Government"
Ryanair Calling On EU To Protect Flights Amid French Air Strikes
Low Cost Home Heating Loans The Final Piece Of Retrofitting Jigsaw - Pippa Hackett
Gardaí Advising Motorists To Avoid Midlands Road
Drugs Are Being Drone-Dropped Into Midlands Prison
Laois County Council Votes To Adopt New Local Area Plan
100k Children Missed Out On Dental School Screening In 2023
Prison Inmates' Mental Health Being Impacted By Over Crowding
Plans For Cycling And Walking Trails Across Midlands Bogs