Concerns that flooding could potentially affect river in County Kildare

Flooding concerns were highlighted at the latest Clane-Maynooth Municipal District on Friday, June 2.

The concerns were raised by Independent councillor Pádraig McEvoy, following a motion raised by Fianna Fáil Cllr Naoise Ó Cearúil.

He motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to 'look at ways to utilise the lands along the Lyreen river in Maynooth as an additional amenity for the town.'

Cllr Ó Cearúil told KCC: "The idea here would be to look at (implementing) some kind of boardwalk or other development here.

"It would be nice to see some sort of boardwalk on one side of the river, or even a small commercial area."

His suggestion was supported by Green Party Cllr Peter Hamilton, who called the region 'a beautiful green spot,' as well as Social Democrats Cllr Aidan Farrelly and Independent Cllr Pádraig McEvoy.

However, Cllr McEvoy also stressed that KCC should be mindful of 'the concept of leaving room' for the river, for the sake of water quality and biodiversity.

Backing up his point, Cllr McEvoy pointed to recent floods that have been affecting Spain, Romania and Italy, adding: "Flooding is coming quicker than expected in Europe."

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Fine Gael Cllr Tim Durkan echoed his sentiments, and said that in the context of the Lyreen river, it was important to keep in mind that it is a tributary of the Rye river.

A representative for KCC said that the points made by the councillors were noted, and 'would be looked into.'

In response to Cllr Ó Cearúil's motion, KCC noted the following in its report at the meeting: "In the Maynooth Local Area Plan 2013-19, some lands along the eastern end of the Lyreen have been zoned for amenity and some are zoned for agriculture.

"The development of residential lands on this end of the river will also facilitate the development of a linear walkway along the river and link to Pound Park."

KCC continued: "The western side of the river heading towards Kilcock is mainly zoned Town Centre or Educational.

"Additionally, KCC doesn’t own lands along this stretch so the scope to develop this area of the river as an amenity are limited.

"Any further proposals to develop the river as an amenity would need to be considered in any revisions of the Local Area Plan."