The ongoing crisis at Lough Funshinagh in County Roscommon continues, as local communities brace for further disruption – but there is hope on the horizon as a plan submitted by Roscommon County Council to An Bord Pleanála is now, hopefully, less than six weeks away from a decision.
Since 2016, the turlough has flooded far more frequently and severely than usual, devastating homes and farmland. Residents are now waiting anxiously for the approval of temporary flood relief measures, which could help avert further damage over the coming winter.
Prolonged
Lough Funshinagh’s flooding has become an escalating issue in recent years. In 2021, Roscommon County Council attempted to tackle the problem by installing a flood-relief pipe to drain the lake. However, this effort was halted after Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) successfully challenged the project in court, citing concerns about compliance with the EU’s Habitats Directive, which was designed to protect natural ecosystems but has had the additional consequence of delaying numerous infrastructure projects around the country.
In the years since the legal challenge, the flooding has worsened, with severe storms like Storm Kathleen in 2024 causing major damage. Over 1,300 acres of land were left submerged, cutting off homes and farms and forcing road closures. Residents and local farmers have voiced growing frustration, as government responses have been slow to deliver a solution.
Kieran O’Donnell, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW), visited Lough Funshinagh in early 2024 after a cabinet reshuffle placed him in charge of managing the crisis. During his visit, he met with local officials and promised swift action, indicating that the Attorney General was reviewing legal pathways to resume work on the flood-relief pipe. However, no immediate progress has been made, leaving the community in a vulnerable position.
Temporary relief?
In September 2024, Roscommon County Council submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála for an interim flood relief scheme. The plan involves temporarily pumping water from the turlough into the nearby ‘Cross River’ for up to 24 months. This would provide immediate relief while a permanent solution, a long-awaited underground pipeline to the River Shannon, is developed.
While this temporary measure is welcomed by many, concerns over the timing remain. The statutory review process could take six weeks or more from submission, meaning the pumps might not be installed until mid-November at the earliest. With winter fast approaching, residents are worried that severe flooding could occur before the system is in place.
Minister O’Donnell, who visited the area last week, while optimistic, acknowledged these concerns. He expressed hopes that the temporary solution could be implemented swiftly, but emphasised that the project’s approval is subject to the regulatory process.
Shift in FIE attitude?
The recent proposal has also seen a shift in the stance of Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE), which had initially opposed the Council’s earlier flood relief efforts.
This time, FIE has conditionally supported the application, noting that it appears to address previous concerns about bypassing environmental regulations.
FIE Director Tony Lowes commented: “The basic issue with the previous efforts was the attempt to bypass European Environmental Directives – that appears to have been addressed by the new application to An Bord Pleanála”.
Despite this cautious support, environmental concerns remain, particularly regarding the potential impact on the Lough Funshinagh Special Area of Conservation. FIE plans to submit a formal response by the 4 November 2024 deadline, once all project details are fully reviewed.
Push for action
While the temporary relief plan offers hope, the community remains under immense pressure. Brendan Golden, chair of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Flooding Project Team, has warned that farmers and residents are nearing breaking point.
Local councillors, including Councillor Laurence Fallon (Independent), have previously also raised alarms about the worsening situation. Fallon pointed out that parts of the region sit lower than Lough Funshinagh’s current water level, putting more homes and farms at serious risk: “The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Without immediate action to lower the water levels, we’re looking at even more widespread damage this winter”.
Looking ahead
Despite the progress made with the planning application, there is an undeniable sense of urgency in the region. The approval process for the temporary flood relief measures may drag on just as the threat of severe winter flooding looms. The longer-term solution, the underground pipeline to the River Shannon, is still at least some months away from approval and years from implementation, leaving the community in limbo.
For now, the people of Lough Funshinagh and surrounds are left waiting for An Bord Pleanála’s decision. Should the application be approved in time, it could provide a much-needed reprieve for the community before the winter storms hit with implementation taking approximately three weeks from approval, according to Minister O’Donnell.
However, with flooding becoming a near-constant threat in recent years, there are concerns that even temporary measures may come too late to fully protect the homes and livelihoods of those living around Lough Funshinagh.
