Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)

The OPW and Clare County Council have an extensive programme of flood risk management works across Clare during 2025. Clare County Council is currently leading the delivery of flood relief schemes in County Clare in the townlands of Springfield, Kilkee and Shannon, Bunratty and Kilrush. These schemes are funded by the OPW from the Government's €1.3 billion investment in flood measures under the national development plan to 2030. Construction of the €5.2 million Springfield flood relief scheme to protect 21 properties is nearing completion. The completion of this scheme is being informed by the groundwater report.

The €8.5 million Kilkee flood relief scheme to protect 134 properties was submitted for planning during 2024 and detailed design for the construction of the scheme is being progressed. Work to finalise the design of the Shannon flood relief scheme to protect 1,400 properties is continuing and the scheme option is scheduled to be submitted for planning approval in quarter 2 2026. The OPW is working with Clare County Council on potential flow path in Bunratty, which may increase the knowledge of the flood risk in this area to inform the feasibility study of the scheme. Clare County Council is finalising tender documents for technical consultancy services for the Kilrush flood relief scheme and plans to issue these later this year.

Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme of €3.8 million to County Clare for some 42 projects. Clare County Council proposes to carry out coastal minor works as part of the 2025 programme at Aughinish Island, north Clare, Marine Parade, Kilkee and Ballynacally, Newmarket-on-Fergus. The works include underpinning and strengthening of the existing sea walls and reinforcement of existing earthen embankments. Clare County Council has also appointed consultants to carry out a condition survey and performance upgrade options review of the tidal barrage at Clarecastle. Non-coastal works at Gullet Cross and Mountcashel are also due to be carried out in 2025.

See this speech in context