€93m. investment in Mayo flood relief schemes confirmed
Work already underway on long-awaited River Deel project in Crossmolina
The Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin Moran, has officially announced the commencement of construction for River Deel (Crossmolina) Flood Relief Scheme by OPW’s own direct labour force.
Welcoming the commencement of construction, Minister Moran said: “This development will be a significant boost to residents and businesses in Crossmolina who have suffered serious flooding in the past."
The River Deel (Crossmolina) Flood Relief Scheme includes a diversion channel upstream of Crossmolina town, which will redirect flood waters away from the town, directly to the flood plains of Lough Conn.
The scheme’s design was completed by Ryan Hanley Engineering and Environmental Consultants who were appointed by the OPW, with project oversight provided by a Steering Group comprising representatives from the OPW and Mayo County Council.
The Minister said: “The flood relief scheme is being built directly by the OPW and will take some four years to construct.
"When built, the scheme will afford protection to some 73 residential and 43 business properties in Crossmolina from significant flood events.
“Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme is part of the government’s strategy under Project Ireland 2040 to make Ireland a better country for all and to build a more resilient and sustainable future.
"The scheme, which has an approved project budget of €34 million and which includes a construction cost of €19.8 million, has been funded through the government’s 2030 National Development Plan with €1.3 billion allocated for flood relief measures, including from the impacts of climate change through future-proofed, adaptable flood relief schemes."
Kevin Kelly, chief executive of Mayo County Council said: "Mayo County Council, as the principal response agency for flood events, have dealt with numerous instances of flooding in Crossmolina town over the past 20 years.
"I wish to thank the local flood action group in Crossmolina for their assistance in the preparation of emergency response plans for the town and their continued response during these extreme flood events together with the staff and Members of Mayo County Council.
"Mayo County Council will continue to assist the OPW throughout the construction phase, minimising the impact of construction on the local community and providing much needed protection for the properties and public infrastructure at risk."
This investment in Crossmolina, Minister Moran highlighted, is part of the government's €93 million investment and commitment to the delivery of flood relief measures across Mayo.
"As part of this overall investment I want to reaffirm the funding commitment of €55 million for the Ballina Flood Relief Scheme which has recently been approved by OPW to proceed to the planning stage.
"This overall investment also includes €2 million for a scheme completed in 2024 at Westport (Cois Abhainn & Ashwood).
"The government has also invested approximately €2.3 million million across 37 schemes throughout Mayo through the OPW’s Minor Works and Coastal Protection Scheme and funding under this scheme remains available to Mayo County Council and all local authorities to address localised flood mitigation measures,” he added.
Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary has welcomed the official turning of the sod on the Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme, performed on today by the Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works Kevin Boxer Moran.
“Works commenced in December on this multi-million euro scheme – a crucial investment in Crossmolina and the future-proofing of the town from further flood events.
"It was a joyous day when Minister Donohoe confirmed the scheme to me in Q4 of 2024 and an even greater day when the machines rolled into Crossmolina in December.
"The residents and business community have waited a long time for this, they deserve this, and when delivered it will offer peace of mind that has been absence for the past 20 years.
“The construction of the scheme and it’s subsequent completion will open up a myriad of possibilities for Crossmolina and I am calling upon Mayo County Council to begin the process now of establishing a plan for the town and environs – it will create opportunities that cannot be overlooked,” he said.
“I want to thank my colleagues - Councillor Michael Loftus and Councillor Annie May Reape - for their steadfast commitment to delivering the scheme.
"The hard work has paid off and I look forward to Crossmolina reaping the rewards in the years ahead,” added Minister Calleary.
In respect of major funding allocation for Ballina, Minister Calleary said: "I am thrilled to secured have €55 million for the Ballina Flood Relief Scheme.
"The project will now move to the planning permission stage.
"Design works are completed and I would anticipate that the planning process will be as swift as possible so that we can get machines on the ground.
"I have been working hard behind the scenes to secure this project, it was an election promise and I am really happy that such a substantial €55 million budget has been set aside to deliver it."
Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD, said: “While we have been frustrated by delays due to design and environmental challenges, this is an important milestone as we enter the construction phase.
"The €34 million River Deel Flood Relief Scheme represents a significant step towards mitigating flood risks in the town by investing in a sustainable and long-term solution that will future-proof the town, ensuring it remains a safe and thriving community for generations to come.
"I want to thank the local flood action group in Crossmolina who were integral in preparing emergency response plans for the town, management and staff of Mayo County Council along with the OPW.
"Once constructed, this scheme will provide much needed certainty and protection for residents and businesses in Crossmolina who have suffered as a result of extreme flooding events over the past number of years."