Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this important matter for debate. Major flood events have taken place in Ennis over the years but particularly in 1989, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2004 and 2009. In fairness to successive Governments, they have made serious investments to mitigate against the potential for Ennis town centre to flood. In this regard, I welcome the completion of phases 1 and 2 of the Ennis flood relief scheme. Without the successful implementation of a flood relief plan for Ennis, there is little doubt but that further serious flood events would have had disastrous outcomes for local residents and business owners.

The matter I raise today is the third and last substantial element of alleviation works required for Ennis. It is known as the Ennis south 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. Householders in housing estates off the Clare Road, at Clonroadmore, at Tobarteascáin, on the Kildysart Road, and in the Ballybeg area of Clarecastle had their homes invaded by floodwaters, with devastating consequences.

The scheme involves the construction of two flood overflow culverts from the stream at St. Flannan's and the stream at Ballybeg to the River Fergus, together with the upgrading of the existing flood defence embankments between the Quin Road and Clarecastle tidal barrage, including rehabilitation, construction of sluices and the upgrading the existing back drainage system. The St. Flannan's and Ballybeg streams continue to pose serious flood risks to 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.

In the absence of the Ennis south flood relief scheme, much credit is owed to the outsourced staff of Clare County Council who battle against the elements with pumps to keep houses and public roads free of water. However, this is unsustainable and a massive drain on resources. A permanent solution is required, namely, the provision of the Ennis south flood relief scheme. Householders, business owners and the school community at St. Flannan's have waited patiently since 2009 for this problem to be finally tackled. It is for this reason that the Minister of State's visit to Ennis on 27 February 2018 was very welcome. He was the bearer of good news. A package of €8.6 million was supposed to be in place to enable the scheme to finally move to construction. To put it mildly, it is deeply disturbing and highly concerning that the scheme has been delayed yet again. All the delays mean the scheme will cost more and more. An additional charge will be placed on the taxpayer. All the time, the residents, business people and school authorities at St. Flannan's are left without proper flood protection measures, and they cannot get full flood insurance.

Today I am asking the Minister of State to put on the record of the Dáil, in clear language, the reason for the delay. The very people who are depending on the scheme, many of whom I have been speaking to over the past week, are really concerned. They actually feel misled because last February they were left with the clear impression that the scheme was moving forward this month. I want the Minister of State to inform the House which body is responsible for the delay. Is it Clare County Council or the Office of Public Works, OPW? Who will take responsibility?

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