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A major flooding issue, which has plagued homeowners in the Foiladown and Glenflesk areas for decades is soon to come to an end, as councillors unanimously voted in favour of flood relief works this week.

At Wednesday’s Killarney Municipal District meeting, held in Castleisland, councillors voted in favour of the construction of a 130 metre long reinforced concrete retaining wall tying into a flood defence embankment of 125 metres in length.

The proposed works, which are approximately 500m South West of Garries Bridge on the local L7059 road, will potentially protect three local houses from future flooding.

Families in the area have been hit hard by flooding for many decades, including more recently in December 2014 when the levels of water rose to 900mm.

Cllr Donal O’Grady said that it was 'an awful way for families to live', while Cllr Michael Gleeson said 'flooding has been an issue in the area going back as far as the 1940s’.

“I know of the damage water can do,” Cllr Gleeson said.

“I support the clearing of the banks. The Council has to be able to secure these homes."

However, residents in the Foiladown and Glenflesk areas are very concerned about the proposed works

They have requested that these works do not go ahead until the River Flesk is cleared of all obstructions, bushes, and blockages such as gravel and silt.

In response, Kerry County Council said that a separate application has also been made to the OPW for flood relief works, involving the clearance of vegetation along the River Flesk.

'The council has been actively engaging with the OPW on securing the funding sought in this application and are in a position to commence the works as soon as funding is approved.

‘It is considered that the proposed development, which will provide protection to three properties on the L7059 from flooding from the River Flesk, is in accordance with the provisions of the Kerry County Council Development Plan 2000-2017'.