Environmental group claims council is in contempt of court

An environmental group has brought contempt of court proceedings against Roscommon County Council in the High Court, claiming the local authority breached a settlement agreement regarding a flood relief scheme. Friends of the Irish Environment alleges the council announced plans in October to resume construction of a three-kilometre pipeline conveying water from Lough Funshinagh to Lough Ree, located approximately twelve kilometres north of Athlone. The council had previously agreed to halt works and remediate affected lands following a judicial review challenge last year. FIE contends the council failed to consult before authorising the pipeline under section 152 of the Local Government Act 2001, and maintains it has utilised infrastructure constructed earlier this year without taking substantive remediation steps. The group seeks an order requiring the council's chief executive to appear before the court. The matter was heard by Mr Justice Garrett Simons on Wednesday.