Mayo town is finally getting its €13.5m. flood relief scheme

The Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohue has confirmed an order for the Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme, based on the advice of the environmental consultants.

Over the coming days, the signed order will be published on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and sent to the consultation bodies in line with Section 7F of the Regulations.

A notice will be published to notify the public that the scheme has been confirmed.

This notice will also notify the public that there is a three-month timeframe during which the validity of the decision may be challenged by way of an application for judicial review, under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Court.

Stated Mayo Minister of Stata Dara Calleary: "This is fantastic news for Crossmolina, for its business community and private homeowners who have had to endure the pain and heartache that flooding events have previously brought to the town.

"I have worked tirelessly with Councillor Michael Loftus to advance the scheme and to ensure that the funding was in place – €13.5million - I thank him for his assistance throughout the process and I am delighted now that the final hurdle has been crossed and the order signed."

Welcoming the news, Minister of State Alan Dillon stated: “This is very welcome news and essentially provides the green light for the flood relief scheme to proceed to construction.

"This multi-million-euro project will provide protection to 116 properties which have been repeatedly subject to flooding putting personal safety and livelihoods at risk.

"This long awaited Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme has been one of my key priorities since being elected to Dáil Éireann.  I have met with community representatives on numerous occasions regarding the Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme and know its importance to local people.”

Minister Dillon added: “There were initial delays because of design and environmental challenges early on.

"Then, there was new European legislation which required another Environmental Impact Assessment on part of the site. Earlier his year DEPR advised consultants to examine further submissions received under the public consultation process resulting from supplementary information provided during the confirmation process.

"It was just delay after delay, and the community felt the project was not a priority. Following meetings with community representatives and businesses.

“Dozens of homes and businesses in Crossmolina were hit by catastrophic flooding in December 2015, which resulted in millions of euro worth of damage.

"As a result of those floods, many homes and businesses struggled to obtain flood insurance. I should point out that a period of 12 weeks is provided to appeal for a judicial review. If all goes to plan, I expect works to get underway in quarter four of this year.”

Mayo TD Michael Ring said: “I am delighted with this positive update for the Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme.

"I have raised the issue of the Crossmolina Flood Scheme consistently over the last number of years and I am pleased that it is very much moving in the right direction.”