Welcome For Progress On Tackling Ballycar Flooding

Photo © Pat Flynn

A committment by a number of state bodies to take action to resolve flooding issues at Ballycar, has received a broad welcome.

Iarnród Éireann, the Office of Public Works and Clare County Council have agreed to work together to tackle groundwater flooding on the Limerick to Galway rail line.

Representatives from the bodies have appeared before the Oireachtas Committee on Rural and Community Development for the second time.

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The Limerick – Galway rail line has been plagued with lengthy closures during winter months in recent years, due to the chronic problem of groundwater flooding at Ballycar.

Up until now, there’s been an impasse, as the different groups disputed who would be responsible for the expensive works to resolve the matter.

At a meeting last May, the Oireachtas Committee on Rural and Community Development challenged Irish Rail, the OPW and Clare County Council to work together to find a solution.

Representatives have appeared before the committee again, having since met on a number of occasions, and have now signed a letter committing to a joint programme of action.

Consultants have also been appointed to carry out a feasibility study on possible solutions and will report back to the steering group next Spring.

Clare County Council’s Director of Physical Development, Carmel Kirby says they’re determined to bring the matter to a conclusion.

Iarnrod Éireann says funding will be sought for works to address flooding at Ballycar once a feasibility study is complete.

But Chief Executive of Iarnrod Eireann, Clare native Jim Meade says the company cannot fund the project itself.

The Chairman of the the Oireachtas Rural and Community Development Committee, Joe Carey has welcomed progress on the matter.

But the Clarecastle Fine Gael TD admits funding will be key.