Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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95. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of solutions identified to decrease the impact of seasonal flooding at Ballycar Lough (details supplied) on local land and strategic infrastructure; the details of such plans to implement the solutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48341/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I am informed that a Flood Alleviation Options Assessment for Flooding at Ballycar Loughwas initiated by Iarnród Éireann and was completed by Consultant Engineers RPS in December 2020. This assessment study built on previous reports of 2011 and 2015 commissioned by Iarnród Éireann. Having considered all various options, the assessment study recommends a new preferred option of a technically viable drainage scheme that would prevent flooding of the railway occurring whilst also including any flood mitigation measures downstream that would be necessary either directly or indirectly with this option.

The proposed options identified in the assessment study include:

1. Removing underground restriction between the swallow hole and spring and ancillary works

2. Attenuation of some flows at Rosroe and Finn Loughs along with removal of the restriction between the swallow hole and spring and ancillary works

3. Diverting the Rosroe Lough sub-catchment flow towards the Ratty River catchment (Clovemill Stream - tributary of Owengarney River) along with removing the underground restriction between the swallow hole and spring

4. Raising existing railway embankment in the vicinity of Ballycar Lough

5. Pumping of flood flows from the swallow hole to spring

Option 2 was identified in the Report as the preferred option. The selection of the preferred option was based on the hydrological, hydraulic environmental impact assessments (mainly ecology, geology and hydrogeology) and costs of each option. The primary benefits of the measures identified in the assessment are derived from the protection of Iarnród Éireann infrastructure and accordingly it is with Iarnród Éireann to source funding for the proposed project. It is understood that Iarnród Éireann has yet to identify a funding source for the works. The OPW will continue to work with Iarnród Éireann and the other stakeholders which include Clare County Council, Geological Survey Ireland and the National Parks & Wildlife Service in addressing the problem on the Rail Line at Ballycar. However, it is not a matter for the OPW to fund the measures that are proposed to Iarnród Éireann infrastructure.