Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue relating to the Crossmolina flood relief scheme as I know it is an issue that he has raised previously. I wish to advise that the OPW has submitted the scheme, along with the required environmental assessments, to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for confirmation.

The scheme to be constructed includes a new grass-lined diversion channel; a new reinforced concrete intake structure and spillway on the banks of the River Deel at the upstream end of the channel; a new river flow control structure downstream of the intake structure; an earthen embankment; two new road bridges; and realignment of the Lake Road.

The scheme requires formal confirmation from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to proceed. This is a statutory requirement under the Arterial Drainage Acts, which now, under the recent European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019, also requires the Minister to carry out an environmental impact assessment, EIA, of the proposed scheme, which is separate from the OPW. This will involve, among other things, a formal review by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform of the EIA report, along with a Natura impact statement as part of the formal confirmation process.

To assist the Minister in making an informed decision to confirm the scheme, the EIA will require, under the 2019 regulations, a public consultation for a period of 30 days, and a detailed independent technical review of the scheme, the EIA and the Natura impact statement, by environmental consultants appointed by the Minister. I am advised that the current position on the confirmation process is that a request for tender of services for environmental consultants is currently being progressed by the Department. The public consultation phase is also due to be commenced by the Department shortly.  The Department will progress the formal confirmation process, having due regard to the detailed requirements of the 2019 regulations.

There is always a possibility that further information and revision of the scheme’s design may be required, as provided for under the confirmation process and, therefore, it is impossible at this stage to give a specific date for the commencement of the works, which I know is a cause of frustration to the Deputy and others. 

The project team has launched a new website where all scheme updates will be posted as they arise. Any further information that I can provide to the Deputy, I will provide in due course.

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