Mayo Ministers issue significant update on Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme

Two Mayo Ministers have this afternoon issued a very significant update on the proposed Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme.

Minister Dara Calleary has said following intensive representation and discussion with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe, he have been assured that no further information is required from the Office of Public Works regarding the planning decision for the proposed project.

“The final report and recommendations on the planning application will now be forwarded to Minister Donohoe within a six-week period, following which a final decision will issue. Once that decision issues, it and accompanying information, will go on public display for one final period.

“This is positive news for the residents and business community of Crossmolina. A decision is now imminent and I want to assure everyone that Cllr Michael Loftus and I are fully committed to this proposed scheme; it simply must happen sooner rather than later so that a final solution to this ongoing issue is finally put in place. Neither I or Cllr Loftus will cease in our ongoing efforts and representations until the project is delivered for Crossmolina,” he said.

Minister Alan Dillon TD also said he is pleased with the update.

“Last July, I informed the public and residents in Crossmolina that Enviroguide, the environmental consultants retained by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery, and Reform, recommended seeking supplementary information from the Commissioners for Public Works (OPW) to fully assess the environmental impacts of the scheme.

“In November, the OPW submitted this additional information to the Department. The independent environmental consultants have since assessed this information and confirmed that it does not warrant further public consultation, as there was no significant new environmental data received from the OPW.

“This project is long overdue for the Crossmolina community, and I will continue to advocate for its delivery. We are now nearing the final stages of the assessment process, and I am committed to ensuring transparency and community involvement throughout.

“A Ministerial Order confirming the scheme maybe subjected to a challenge under Judicial Review within three months of issuance. In the likelihood of the scheme being confirmed, the OPW will observe a standstill on construction during this period,” Deputy Dillon concluded.