Minister O’Donovan welcomes progress on the proposed Flood Relief Scheme in Springfield/Clonlara, Co. Clare

Minister of State for the Office of Public Work, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan TD, has welcomed the approval of planning permission by An Bord Pleanála for the proposed flood relief scheme in Springfield, Clonlara in County Clare. The scheme will involve the construction of a flood protection embankment, land raising, penstock / sluice, pump station and associated works at the townland and surrounding areas of Springfield/Clonlara Co Clare. The project will protect 18 residential properties and cost in the region of €1.3m to build.

Speaking today, the Minister said

“I think everybody who has followed coverage of flooding events over the past few years will recall the scenes of flooded homes and distressed residents trying to deal with the aftermath of significant flooding in Springfield/Clonlara. Now that An Bord Pleanála has approved planning permission for the proposed OPW scheme in this area, these scenes will soon become a thing of the past. I welcome this important milestone and I hope the communities in Springfield/Clonlara will take encouragement from the fact that we are a step closer to the implementation of this scheme. I’d like to thank our partners in Clare County Council for progressing the scheme to this important stage and we look forward to seeing commencement of works”.

Significant effort has been invested by the OPW, Clare County Council and the consultants Byrne Looby to ensure that a viable and compliant scheme could be identified and make it through the planning process. Clare County Council are due to meet with the project consultants shortly to discuss a programme of works and next steps. It is anticipated that works will commence Q2 2021 and will be completed using OPW direct labour.

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For further information contact OPW Press Office at pressoffice@opw.ie

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