Work on Crossmolina flood relief scheme could start in October

Work on a long-promised flood relief scheme in Crossmolina could commence as early as October, Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD has said. 

Relief works to prevent damaging flooding in the North Mayo town are currently awaiting a decision from the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe. 

Minister Dillon said work could begin as soon as October if the scheme is approved by the end of July. 

The flood relief scheme has been delayed by mandatory environmental assessments which must take place before any work can commence. 

Approximately 120 properties were affected when the Deel River last burst its banks in December 2015. Roughly the same number are said to be at risk if flooding reoccurs.  

Minister Dillon has written to the Minister of the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kieran O’Donnell, seeking an update on the River Deel (Crossmolina) Flood Relief Scheme.

In response to Minister Dillon’s inquiry, the OPW stated: “By correspondence at the end of June 2024, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DEPR) requested the OPW to confirm that they can comply with a number of specified conditions in the event that the scheme is given Ministerial Consent. The OPW responded to DPER on July 1 2024, confirming that they can comply with the specified conditions should the scheme be given Ministerial Consent.”

Minister Dillon thanked the OPW, Mayo County Council and the Steering Group for the Crossmolina FRS for their work in delivering the flood relief scheme. 

“To facilitate any potential commencement of work in the event that the scheme is confirmed, the OPW are progressing the detailed design of the scheme and reviewing/updating arrangements for the procuring of relevant goods/services where needed,” he added. 

Mayo TD Michael Ring Deputy Ring said he had ‘no doubt’ that Minister Paschal Donohoe would give consent to this scheme.  “The people of Crossmolina have been waiting a long time for progress to be made on this.  I am very pleased with this update,” Deputy Ring stated.