Update on flood relief schemes for South Mayo
The road leading to The Neale Crossroads from Kilmaine was completely submerged in water when this drone photograph was taken in 2020. Picture: Tom Quinn.
An update on flood relief schemes planned for South Mayo was provided at the recent meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District.
Councillors had raised concerns about homeowners who feared their properties could be flooded if action is not taken.
Mayo County Council's Acting Head of Environment Tom McDonnell said Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers had been appointed in 2019 to prepare a feasibility study of groundwater flooding in the South Mayo area surrounding The Neale. Funding of €226,000 was provided by the council and the Office of Public Works (OPW).
"The feasibility report was prepared in line with OPW flooding guidance and utilised benefit analysis tools as part of the assessment. The scheme was found to be viable and cost beneficial with a large portion of the benefits relating to roads (cut off of communities, diversion routes required etc.).
"As a significant portion (89%) of the benefits were road related, the OPW requested that Mayo County Council engage with the Department of Transport to ascertain the split in costs between both Departments with a view to the project being jointly funded."
Mr McDonnell said negotiations were ongoing in relation to the "split in costs". He also noted that recent changes in the OPW Minor Works Scheme may allow the project to progress though assessment stage and onto planning and construction.
"The details of the revised scheme have not yet been released and are expected in early 2026.”
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
