Public consultation on Crossmolina Deel drainage scheme opens

THE Office of Public Works has submitted the River Deel, Crossmolina, drainage scheme, along with the required environmental assessments, to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for confirmation.

Confirming the news, Deputy Michael Ring explained how the minister has today launched the Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment public consultation process. It will be open until January 11, 2021.

The scheme to be constructed includes:

Construction of a new grass-lined diversion channel commencing at the River Deel/L1105 and terminating in the townland of Mullenmore to the east of the R315 Crossmolina to Castlebar Regional Road;

Construction of a new reinforced concrete intake structure and spillway on the banks of the River Deel at the upstream end of the above mentioned grass-lined channel complete with an adjustable steel plate at the top of the 70m reinforced concrete intake structure;

Construction of a new river flow control structure incorporating adjustable steel plates. The structure will consist of a series of precast box culverts and will be located approximately 155 metres downstream of the intake structure;

Construction of a new river flow control structure incorporating adjustable steel plates. The structure will consist of a series of precast box culverts and will be located approximately 155 metres downstream of the intake structure;

Construction of an earthen embankment and reinforced concrete retaining walls/ steel sheet piling at the river flow control structure;

Construction of a new reinforced concrete energy dissipation structure within the proposed diversion channel to the south east of the R315;

Construction of two new bridges, one each on the R315 (Mullenmore Bridge) and L1105 (Pollnacross Bridge);

Raising the L1105 at the approach to the new bridge;

Realignment of the Lake Road and creation of a new junction with the R315. This will necessitate the closure of a section of the existing road;

Realignment and raising of existing avenues connecting the Lake Road to properties to the south;

Creation of washlands between the termination point of the new channel and Lough Conn;

Removal of existing access points/access routes and creation of new access points;

Construction of an access track along the top of the channel between the L1105 and the R315. An access track will also be constructed alongside the intake structure linking the L1105 to the river bank. This will be used for maintenance purposes;

Localised regrading of ground levels, erection of fencing and access gates, to facilitate pedestrian/vehicular access to and around flood defences, or to redirect overland surface water flow paths.

The scheme requires formal confirmation from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (MPER) to proceed.

In order to assist the minister in making an informed decision to confirm the scheme, the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) will require, under the 2019 regulations, a public consultation for a period of 30 days, and a detailed independent technical review of the scheme, the EIA and the Natura Impact Statement, by environmental consultants appointed by the MPER.

Said Deputy Ring: “I welcome the opening of this public consultation process today.”