A solution may finally be on the horizon to solve the perennial problem of flooding in Claregalway village.

That’s according to Cllr James Charity, who revealed that a surface water retention pond is being created in Claregalway. The Athenry Oranmore Area councillor said that it was crucial to address this recurring crisis.

Every winter the village experiences flooding and particularly when the River Clare bursts its banks – but one of the main problems is water retention in the village as there are not quick release mechanisms in place.

It was revealed some years ago that Claregalway householders would not get flood insurance cover because of the situation in the village.

But Cllr Charity has been advised that land acquisition to provide for a surface water retention pond in Claregalway has been agreed.

“Once constructed, this plant along with proposed upgrades through Claregalway village, will deal with ongoing flash flooding that appears on the main N83 in every downpour,” he said.

“The Council have now tasked consultants with carrying out required archaeological investigations ahead of the work.

“I’m delighted to see the Council moving in the right direction. Flash surface water flooding in Claregalway has been a long-standing issue, particularly on the main N83 just in front of Centra, and this plan is intended to finally deal with this once and for all,” Cllr Charity added.

In the past, heavy rainfall has often restricted village traffic to a single lane, with a water build up close to the Centra store in particular.