Roscommon County Council is to carry out urgent works to install an emergency overflow pipe from Lough Funshinagh to the River Shannon
The local authority has been assisting in providing pumps to protect up to eight homes which are at serious risk of flooding.
The decision to intervene further is prompted by recent reports and a hydrological update which predicts flooding levels next winter to exceed previous records and which pose a risk to life should continuous defensive pumping and the raising of public roads fail.
Roscommon County Council says the planned emergency intervention at Lough Funshinagh to stop the immediate risk of flooding posed by the lake's high water table to properties and public roads in and around the area.
The Office of Public Works (OPW), Minister Patrick o' Donovan says following correspondence from the Chief Executive, his Department will provide whatever resources are required in terms of labour or equipment to facilitate the Council's preventive flood mitigation works.
Starting construction on the overflow pipe now will ensure enough time to lower the water level of the lake in advance of next winter.
