Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
71. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress which has been made by the steering group to advance the flood mitigation works at Ballycar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52303/23]
View answerI am informed that a Flood Alleviation Options Assessment for Flooding at Ballycar Lough was 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 Office of Public Works (OPW) has engaged constructively with both Clare County Council and Iarnród Éireann over recent years in relation to the flooding problem at Ballycar and has participated in a meeting on the matter convened by the Council in 2014 and participated on a steering group from 2018 to 2020 comprised of Clare County Council, Geological Survey Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Iarnród Éireann, in relation to the new preferred option.
The selection of the new preferred option was based on the consideration of 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, as the key stakeholder, to lead and pursue the resolution of the railway line flooding problem and to secure funding for the proposed project.
I also note that the issue of flooding on the Limerick to Ennis railway line at Ballycar was also considered in the context of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. That strategy was developed by the National Transport Authority in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The final strategy was published in December 2022. The strategy sets out the framework for investment in transport for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area for the next 20 years, including proposals for rail investment. With regards to Ballycar, the strategy states that it is the intention of the National Transport Authority and the local authorities to work in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann and other relevant stakeholders to resolve this localised flooding issue on the Limerick-Ennis line.
The OPW will continue to work with Iarnród Éireann and the other steering group stakeholders in addressing the problem on the railway line at Ballycar, In March 2023. My Office met with the Department of Transport, who agreed to discuss the matter of flooding at Ballycar with Iarnród Éireann. My Office continues to be available to meet with the Department of Transport on this matter.
