A long-sought flood relief scheme in Clare isn’t expected to be delivered for another five years.
In an update on the status of schemes in progress in Clare, the Department of Public Expenditure has revealed construction on the Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme isn’t due to conclude until the tail end of 2032.
The update from Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Kevin “Boxer” Moran, comes on foot of a parliamentary question from Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney.
The ongoing schemes in Kilkee, Shannon and Bunratty are being funded through a €1.3 billion Government investment and will provide protection to over 1,500 properties.
The Kilkee Flood Relief scheme is at Stage 3 where detailed design is being progressed.
It’s understood Clare County Council is currently preparing a Compulsory Purchase Order application due to be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála by the end of September.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2027 or early 2028 and is due to be completed within the final three months of 2029.
The Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme meanwhile is said to be at preliminary design stage, with an options report to be finalised by this September.
Following an Environmental Impact Assessment report set to be completed in the opening three-month period of next year, the local authority expects to get planning consent within the following three months.
Construction is intended to get underway between July and September of 2029, with the project to be finished by September of 2032.
Additionally, the department says it’s progressing the Bunratty Flood Relief Scheme, with a preliminary flood risk assessment having identified a potential flow path.
The Kilkee project is budgeted at €8.5 million, with €1.2 million spent to date, while the Shannon project is expected to cost €40.8 million, €2.4 million of which has been spent so far.
You can hear more on this story on Clare FM’s Morning Focus this Monday morning from 9am.
