Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this important matter for debate. Major floods have taken place in Ennis through the years. Townspeople will recall serious floods in 1989, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2004 and late 2009. I welcome the fact that phase one of the Ennis flood relief scheme has stood up to the challenges posed by extreme weather events over the past couple of years. I look forward to the completion, in the next couple of months, of phase two of the scheme from Bank Place to Doora Bridge. Without the successful implementation of a flood relief plan in Ennis, there is little doubt further serious flood events would have taken place, with disastrous outcomes for local residents and business owners. Therefore, I welcome the serious flood alleviation work which has taken place in Ennis over recent years.

The matter I raise today is the third and last substantial element of flood alleviation works required for Ennis. The project is known as the lower Ennis flood relief scheme or the St. Flannan's and Ballybeg flood relief scheme. Few will forget the scene of flood waters pouring over the boundary wall at St. Flannan's College in late November 2009 in floods which were said to have been the worst in 800 years. Householders in housing estates off the Clare Road, on Clonroadmore and Tobartaiscain had their houses invaded by flood water, with devastating consequences. I thank God we have not had a similar weather event since. However, we need to prepare for such an event by providing this vital flood alleviation scheme.

The lower Ennis flood relief scheme involves the construction of a flood overflow culvert from St. Flannan's stream to the Clare Abbey flood plain, with associated overflow structure. It also involves the provision of a second flood overflow culvert from Ballybeg to the Clare Abbey flood plain, together with upgrading of the existing flood defence embankments between the Quin Road and the Clarecastle tidal barrage, including rehabilitation and construction of sluices and upgrading of the existing back drainage system. The St. Flannan’s and Ballybeg streams continue to pose serious flooding issues for householders in both Ennis and Clarecastle. Each winter, these streams are overwhelmed with water and at times of heavy rainfall, flooding is caused to houses and public roads. Much credit is owed to the outdoor staff of Clare County Council who battle against the elements with pumps to keep houses and roads free of water. However, this is an unsustainable solution. A permanent solution is required, namely, the provision of the lower Ennis flood relief scheme. It is essential that work commences on this important scheme in the coming months. People have waited patiently since 2009 for this problem to be finally tackled.

While much work has taken place on reports, planning and cost-benefit analysis by engineers in both the OPW and Clare County Council, people continue to ask me when work will start on the scheme. I have raised it many times with previous Ministers and I welcome the opportunity to ask the Minister of State when contractors will be appointed, when work will start on this long-anticipated scheme and how long the construction period is expected to be. Could the Minister also indicate how many construction jobs will be created during the construction phase of the project?

See this speech in context