Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2018
163. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the flood relief works for Caherlea and Lisheenavalla as part of the Clare river Claregalway drainage scheme have been completed; if not, the timeframe for same; if additional works are planned in this area; if so, the details of the proposed works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8282/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing extensive flooding in County Galway as a result of the November 2009 flooding event, a Joint Working Group, comprising OPW and Galway County Council officials was set up to identify flood mitigation measures for the region. A major scheme of works on the Clare River was recommended, in addition to some advance works, including the construction of flood eyes at Crusheeny Bridge and at Claregalway Bridge.
Works in the Caherlea / Lisheenavalla area commenced with the replacement of the existing bridge at Crusheeny by OPW as part of the advance works associated with the flood relief scheme in 2012.
Further works in this area include;
- Channel widening works commenced in mid-April 2017 from 1.3km upstream of Crusheeny Bridge to immediately downstream of Crusheeny Bridge to form a two-stage channel. Works are due to be completed in Autumn 2018.
- Maintenance works on the Islandmore Drain are due for completion in Spring 2018.
- Construction of an embankment along the southern bank of the Clare River from 1.3 km upstream of Crusheeny Bridge to the Islandmore Drain; to include the installation of a non-return valve on the discharge from the Islandmore drain is now complete.
- Works on the construction of the Carnmore/Cashla flood alleviation pipeline are due to commence later in 2018.
It is envisaged that the Claregalway Flood Relief Scheme will be substantially complete in early 2019.
