PLANS for flood defence works for the Twin Towns have been granted by An Bord Pleanála following an application by Donegal County Council.
The mitigation measures for Ballybofey and Stranorlar will be erected behind the flood embankments on the River Finn.
The works include the construction of two storm manholes and two pump hardstands for mobile pumps. They will be located behind the Aldi Supermarket in Ballybofey which will allow for overpumping of storm water runoff when the level of the river is too high and other pumping outlets are no longer working.
It is hoped that the works will prevent a reoccurrence of the flooding that occurred in the area during a storm in December 2015.
The council said this is an ‘immediate short term measure’ to help prevent flooding and will involve excavation, concrete works, manhole construction, backfilling and associated works.
The proposed works are part of a Minor Works application and while a short term measure they “will still be of benefit to the final solution for the town when a scheme from the CFRAM Final Flood Risk Management Plan is prioritised.”
A previous application from the local authority had been refused after concerns were raised about the presence of Japanese Knotweed and the potential spread of invasive plant species throughout the River Finn. However, the Board noted that the Council addressed the concerns in this current application.
Invasive plant species
The report stated: “the presence of invasive plant species has been adequately mapped in order to adequately demonstrate that safe separation distances can be provided for between the proposed works and these invasive plant species. I am satisfied therefore, that the proposed development will not give rise to the spread of invasive plant species within the area.”
The application was granted with seven conditions, one of which is that a pre-consultation survey must be carried out to determine the presence of any invasive plant species and if any are found the Council would have to submit an Invasive Management Species Action Plan
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