OPW report positive for long-awaited Flood Relief Scheme in Crossmolina

The long-awaited Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme now requires the green light from Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohue
following the submission of further reports by the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Sandbags and other flood mitigation measures have been implemented in Crossmolina with the north Mayo town having to brace itself for potential flooding amidst inclement weather in the last number of weeks.

In September 2020, the OPW sought confirmation from the Minister for the River Deel Relief Scheme and in July of this year, following two rounds of public consultation, Minister Donohue’s Department issued a request for additional supplementary information regarding the scheme, including updated ecological and environmental surveys, as well as further information on the Water Framework Directive assessment.

Minister of State Dara Calleary said he has been in correspondence with the Minister with responsibility for the OPW Patrick O’Donovan regarding the matter and he confirmed that the OPW has submitted a report addressing all the supplementary information required by the Department of Public Expenditure.

“The OPW issued a report to the Department of Public Expenditure which addressed the requirements of the supplementary information request, and confirmed that the conclusions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report, submitted as part of the confirmation documentation, still remain valid and unchanged,” he said.

He said this now leaves the scheme in the hands of Minister Donohue’s office.

“The confirmation of the scheme is now with Minister Donohoe and I will be exerting all the political pressure possible to get this project over the line and get machines on the ground once and for all.

“It is unfair and totally unacceptable that the community of Crossmolina is left in this situation and I want it resolved now.”

Minister Calleary also sought an update on the OPW’s plans to ensure flow in the River Deel this winter. He said it has carried out inspections and provided funding to the local authority to mitigate the persistent flood risk.

“I can confirm that the River Deel downstream of Crossmolina has been inspected and determined to be in good condition on September 25.

“The OPW has recently provided funding to Mayo County Council, through the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, to implement flood relief measures including reinforcement of walls and provision of pump sumps, while also providing funding for flood gates."