Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 November 2021
243. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flood relief scheme for Portumna, County Galway; when the project will be ready for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55397/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFlood Relief measures were first identified for Portumna in the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP), which was published in May 2018.
The proposed scheme, which would provide protection to 22 properties at a preliminary total project budget of €3.65m, was not included in the first tranche of schemes to be progressed in 2018, but the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Galway County Council will work closely to ensure that it will be commenced as soon as possible within the lifetime of the NDP 2021-2030.
The proposed measures for Portumna in the Flood Risk Management Plan include:
- Construction of new flood defences (over 430m of flood wall and approximately 870m of flood embankment)
- Installation of a simple flood-forecasting unit, including an addition of telemetry to an existing hydrometric gauge to send warning messages when water level reaches a specified trigger point.
- Raised road level over a length of 20m along the north of Portumna Harbour.
- Vertical Sector Gate to act as a barrier to flooding across the entrance to Portumna Harbour to prevent the inlet receiving flood water directly from the Shannon. The structure would consist of a set of gates
- which could be closed after a flood warning, and open during normal conditions to allow the passage of boats.
- Maintain existing flood defences.
- Raising public awareness of flooding issues.
- OPW has approved funding to Galway County Council for a Project Engineer to enable the Council to progress Flood Relief schemes in Ballinasloe, Clifden and, in time, Portumna.
In due course a Project Brief will be developed for the appointment of Consultants to progress a Flood Relief Scheme for Portumna, including environmental assessment and further public consultation, for refinement and preparation for planning / exhibition and, if appropriate, construction of the Flood Relief Scheme.
