There are hopes that environmental assessments to restart work on an overflow pipe from Lough Funshinagh in south Roscommon can be expedited.
On Wednesday, Roscommon County Council consented to High Court orders against it in respect of its obligations under the EU Habitats Directive and SAC legislation.
As contractors on behalf of Roscommon County Council begin work to return the soil and restore the site, the pipe which has been laid will remain in place for now, a sign that despite the legal setback, this project can proceed.
Roscommon Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice has expressed his disappointment with the action taken and the outcome, saying if the project has to now go jump through hoop after hoop of red tape and environmental assessments, it won't be completed for three years.
His colleague Denis Naughten TD has called for urgent meetings with the OPW Minister and the Minister for Local Government, Darragh O'Brien to bring legal clarity to these and other climate mitigation measures,
A statement from Roscommon County Council is due later this morning.
Despite yesterday's ruling, there is an acknowledgement by FIE of the threat of real hardship on families if and when there is extensive flooding this year, with water with the levels now 2.5 to 3 meters higher than normal for this time of year.
There is an acknowledgement also from the organisation that if the environmental assessments conclude that the SAC and Habitats Directive would not be interfered with by the works, the pipe may prove to be the best solution to consistent flooding in the area.
Local Councillor Laurence Fallon says while this is a setback, it's time now for everyone to pull together:
