OPW says Crossmolina scheme on track despite delays

Anton McNulty

THE Office of Public Works say that the Crossmolina flood relief scheme is still expected to commence construction on time despite current delays due to ‘complex’ conditions.
In a response to queries from The Mayo News, the Office of Public Works (OPW) confirmed that work on the Crossmolina flood relief scheme has suffered delays in recent weeks. The scheme had been due to be submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for assessment by the end of 2019 but will now go to the department sometime in the first quarter of 2020.
The OPW described the reasons behind the delays as complex but say the ‘recent slippage’ has not moved the anticipated start time of construction which is late 2020.
“While any delays are regrettable, developing a flood relief scheme is complex, this has been particularly true for Crossmolina. Issues have included unfavourable river conditions due to the persistent rain in recent weeks and months which meant that site investigative works could not be carried out safely. Further delays to the programme were experienced with the sudden appearance of a sinkhole, this required further investigation and was again dependent on favourable weather conditions.
“The focus of all parties is to expedite a scheme that meets all the required environmental and design standards and therefore minimises the risk to critical delays occurring further along in the project cycle. The consultants are using every available resource to progress the scheme to confirmation.  
“The recent slippage has not moved the anticipated construction commencement date which is still late 2020, this is subject to the confirmation process and procurement of a contractor,” the OPW stated.
The state agency stated that the vast majority of modelling work and new infrastructure design are now complete and consultant engineers are finishing the detailed design work required to complete the documents which will be sent to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for confirmation.  
Local Fianna FΡil TD Dara Calleary welcomed the news that the scheme remains on track to get underway and was assured of its progress by Minister for the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran.