Springfield’s long awaited flood relief scheme is expected to commence construction in early August.
Advance works and mobilisation is planned to be completed in the coming days while the flood relief 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.
A Natura Impact Statement, together with plans and particulars relating to the application, was submitted to An Bord Pleanala in July 2020, with the Board confirming approval for the proposed €1.2m works in November 2020 under Part 10 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001.
The works are expected to be substantially complete in 2022 and the construction scheme will be formally launched on Friday morning in Clonlara. Planning for flood protection works began in early 2016, after more than 10 families had to evacuate their properties and a further five had their access roads completely cut off.
Flooding in Clonlara has regularly affected residents of Springfield as far back as 1995 with more recent events occurring in 2009, 2016 and 2020
Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) said the due start for works served as “a relief for local residents”. He stated, “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”.
Carey acknowledged that the start date was delayed but flagged that this was for additional ground investigations. “Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, 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,” the Clarecastle native said.
O’Donovan is due to launch the scheme this Friday morning in Clonlara.
