'A welcome addition': €5.2 million Springfield Flood Relief Scheme is officially completed

Clare County Council and Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin Moran TD, are delighted to announce the completion of the €5.2 million Springfield Flood Relief Scheme. 

The scheme will protect 21 homes in the Springfield area from significant flooding and was completed in partnership between the Office of Public Works and Clare County Council.

Minister Moran welcomed the completion of the new scheme saying: “I am delighted to be here today in Springfield to officially mark the completion of the Springfield Flood Relief Scheme, which now forms part of a group of 56 completed flood relief schemes that are protecting some 13,600 properties nationwide.

"This is part of some €120 million investment in flood relief schemes and measures across Clare. This includes for schemes completed in Ennis, Sixmilebridge and now Springfield and schemes underway for Shannon Town and Environs, Kilkee, Bunratty and Kilrush. In addition to funding large flood relief schemes in Co Clare, the OPW has provided funding of €3.9 million under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for some 43 projects across the county," he added. 

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Cllr Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council said: “I welcome the official opening of this flood relief scheme. This development is a boost to residents and businesses that have been badly affected by the severe flooding in the Springfield area in recent years. I would like to thank the Minister and the Office of Public Works for their investment in flood protection infrastructure in this project and throughout the county over the years.”

Alan Farrell, Director of Services, Physical Development, Clare County Council also commented: “The completion of the scheme is a welcome addition to the flood protection infrastructure in County Clare and alleviates the worry and stress experienced by local residents over many years. The collaborative effort demonstrated in the delivery of this project reaffirms that flooding challenges can be overcome when everyone works together for the betterment of a community. Clare County Council looks forward to the continued partnership approach with the Office of Public Works in the provision of priority flood relief works in the county.”

The scheme consists of the construction of an 850m long flood defence embankment across the floodplain at Cappavilla North and Illaunyregan, a pumping station, culverts with sluice gates, together with land raising at Cottage and associated drainage, fencing and storage works. It was designed by Ayesa with construction work carried out directly by the Office of Public Works.

The Springfield 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 has been funded through the Government’s 2030 National Development Plan with €1.3 billion for flood relief measures, including from the impacts of climate change through future-proofed, adaptable flood relief schemes.