Springfield residents want input on flood management review

Clonlara residents affected by flooding four times in the last 16 years, feel they should be consulted during a new study of the River Shannon.
Jacobs Engineering Ireland Ltd have been commissioned by the OPW to complete the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) study.
Residents in Springfield, Clonlara have campaigned for an independent review of the flood management of the River Shannon to prevent a repeat of the devastation caused in the area in November 2009.
Springfield resident, Geraldine Quinlivan, recently outlined the concerns of householders in writing to Jacobs Engineering Ireland but is still waiting for a response. Ms Quinlivan also forwarded these queries to Deputy Joe Carey.
She believes the consultants need to look at the management of the dam at Parteen Weir near Birdhill and the dam at Plassey where the River Shannon joins the old Mulcair River.
Even though the new study was announced by former Minister of State Martin Manseragh last January, Ms Qulinvan has expressed concern that residents in Springfield haven’t been asked to submit their views almost four months later, despite contacting the consultants.
Minister Mansergh stated in January that the study would, for the first time, identify and examine in detail the causes of flooding throughout the Shannon system and produce an integrated plan of specific measures to address the significant flood risk factors in a proactive and comprehensive way.
In a letter sent to Clare County Council before the General Election, Minister Manseragh confirmed a comprehensive series of discussions have taken place with officials in the council to identify areas of significant flood risk for incorporation in the study.
“The OPW has had several meetings with the ESB and Waterways Ireland to review management protocols for water level management on the Shannon. Arising from this, I understand that twice weekly water level forecasts are being issued to all local authorities along the Shannon catchment,” he said.
The study will focus on areas known to have experienced flooding in the past and areas that may be subject to flooding in the future. The final output from the study will be Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs).
In a letter to Deputy Joe Carey, the consultants stated the OPW has engaged in extensive consultations, already with the relevant local authorities in the Shannon catchment, including Clare County Council. Additional consultations with relevant stakeholders will take place in the course of the study period up to the end of 2015. A formal consultation is also provided for in the publication of the FRMPs, as detailed in the 2010 Regulations on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risk.
In response to a number of Clare Champion queries, the OPW stated the agency and their consultants, Jacobs International, are committed to a full and extensive dialogue with individuals, communities and stakeholders interested or concerned by flooding and flood risk management in the Shannon catchment area.
Jacobs Engineering have already held discussions with a number of individuals and groups and aim to reply to enquiries as soon as possible and keep interested parties informed of progress and further opportunities to have an input into the project. 
“The OPW and their consultants have been encouraged by the early interest in the project, including Deputy Joe Carey and are pleased to have had the chance to discuss the project with his office and issue a formal response to his enquires.
“There will be a number of ways for individuals and groups to both access information about the project and send us their views, suggestions and concerns. These will include regular project newsletters, a project email address, a project website, which will soon be going live, and public consultation and information events at key stages in the project.
“The OPW would encourage anyone with an interest in flooding or data or information, which might be useful to the project to get in touch with their consultants project team,” said an OPW spokesman.
The spokesman regretted any delay in responding to specific queries and noted one of the project team would be delighted to contact Ms Quinlivan, listen to her concerns and discuss the overall study with her.