Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
171. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the Clifden flood relief scheme; the works that are proposed for the Owenglin river as part of this scheme; if fallen trees lying on the river will be removed as a matter of urgency before the end of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44711/23]
View answerA potential flood relief scheme was recommended for Clifden as part of the National Flood Risk Management Plans, published in 2018.
Following the launch of the Plans, the Office of Public Works (OPW) confirmed to Galway County Council (GCC) that it would fund the costs of developing and implementing a scheme for the town. The proposed scheme, includes the provision of flood defence walls and embankments, which will protect approximately 25 properties against the 1:100 Year Flood Event which is also known as the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability Flood Event.
In October, 2021, Engineering & Environmental Consultants were appointed by GCC to progress a Flood Relief Scheme for Clifden and the following progress has been made.
• Ground Investigation works have been completed and a final report has been completed.
• The Consultants are continuing their work in developing the various options for the Scheme and a Statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to assess options commenced in August 2023.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes and flood relief schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended. The Owenglin River does not form part of an Arterial Drainage Scheme and as such OPW have no responsibility to carry out maintenance such as removing debris from the river. GCC have also confirmed that as this river does not form part of a Drainage District they also have no responsibility to carry out such maintenance.
However, any queries or concerns in relation to the removal of fallen trees from the river should be brought to the attention of Galway Co. Council’s Clifden Area Office who would carry out an assessment of any resulting flood risk which they may represent. I also understand that GCC may assess any potential blockages of the bridge structures on the Owenglin River to determine if an intervention may be required to possibly prevent flooding issues.
Riparian owners of land also have a role in ensuring that watercourses are managed and free flowing so that in extreme weather events the risk of flooding can be minimised. A guide to the rights and responsibilities of landowners is available online at www.flooding.ie.
