It’s hoped several Clare communities will have their risk of flooding virtually eliminated in the near future.
With one major project in the south-east of the county being officially unveiled yesterday, another in the West has been boosted with a multi-million euro funding announcement.
For decades, residents of Springfield in Clonlara have had their homes, vehicles and livelihoods devastated by severe flooding.
One such incident in 2020, saw the ESB releasing over 400 tonnes of water into Parteen Weir every second, while local residents such as Gerardine Quinlivan routinely had a military quantity of over 2,500 sandbags protecting their homes.
However, the €5.2m flood relief scheme, which involves a pumping station and defence embankments has been officially opened and will safeguard 21 local households.
Gerardine now wants action to ensure local homeowners can secure flood insurance.
A number of other flood relief schemes in Clare are at various stages of progress, with projects at Shannon, Bunratty and Kilrush.
While a funding boost of €8.5m was also announced for the Kilkee scheme, which will now go forward to detailed design.
Office of Public Works Minister Kevin Boxer Moran is hopeful it will be completed in the coming years.
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