CONSTRUCTION of the Springfield Flood Relief Scheme is to begin next month, with a formal launch to take place this Friday, July 30 in Clonlara.
The scheme will provide protection for 18 properties in the area, and involves the construction of a flood protection embankment, land raising, penstock/sluice, pump station and associated works at the townlands of Springfield, Cappavilla North, Cottage and Illaunyregan, Clonlara.
Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey described the news as “a relief for local residents” following decades of disruption caused by severe winter flooding.
“Residents have been affected by regular instances of flooding in Clonlara on several occasions, stretching back to 1995 and more recently in 2009, 2016 and 2020,” he said. “Having been through multiple flooding events, which has had a devastating impact on their lives and on their homes, it is a relief for local residents that construction is due to begin.”
The Office of Public Works (OPW), Clare County Council and Byrne Looby consultants have all played a role in getting the construction scheme to this point.
“Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan, has visited the area previously to meet with concerned residents and is aware of the stress that flooding and the threat of flooding has had on the local community,” Deputy Carey added.
The scene at Springfield Clonlara as the battle continued to keep rising flood waters from destroying homes @rtenews pic.twitter.com/Mpds6YiQTu
— Cathy Halloran (@HalloranCathy) February 26, 2020
A Natura Impact Statement, together with plans and particulars relating to the application, was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in July 2020, with the board confirming approval for the proposed works in November 2020 under Part 10 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. While the start date was delayed due to the requirement for additional ground investigations, the project is now ready to commence, and funding for the works will be made available.
The works are expected to be substantially complete in 2022.