Roscommon councillors have expressed their anger and disappointment over the latest obstacle facing flood defence works at Lough Funshinagh.
The High Court is due to hear a challenge from an environmental group later today seeking a halt to the embattled flood works underway in Roscommon.
Friends of the Irish Environment are seeking a judicial review overworks to pump excess floodwater from Lough Funshinagh to a stream flowing into Lough Ree.
Following a high court case earlier in the year, FIE were successful in halting the installation of a 5km pipe.
An altered plan submitted by Roscommon County Council in October was cleared by a high court judge 2 months later following a contempt of court case brought by FIE.
The group's new case for a judicial review and a halt to the ongoing works will be heard by the high court today.
In a statement to the Shannonside fm newsroom, FIE say the methods of the local authority represent an attempted bypass of environmental and planning regulations, which could encourage other state bodies to do the same.
On receiving the update from county Chief Executive Eugene Cummins at a meeting of the full council today, representatives expressed extreme disappointment and anger.
Addressing the virtual meeting, Eugene Cummins described the move as regrettable and sad for the locals affected.
On opening the meeting to input from councillors, Cathaoirleach Joe Murphy advised members to be mindful of the language used as legal proceedings have now been launched.
Local councillor Laurence Fallon said the decision to proceed with further legal action will result in significant hardship for locals.
He continued by saying the decision is a hard blow to face during Christmas week and a substantial amount of progress is now at risk.]
