Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
65. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the Ballinasloe flood relief scheme; the projected timelines for progression beyond stage 1 scheme development and design; and when residents in affected areas including Station Road and Sarsfield Road can expect flood mitigation works to commence. [40775/26]
View answerThe Flood Risk Management Plan for the Shannon River Basin which launched in 2018, included a recommendation to progress a flood relief scheme for Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. A Project Steering Group, comprising representatives from the Office of Public Works (OPW), as Contracting Authority, and Galway County Council as project partners, is in place to progress the Scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995 (as amended).
In 2019, the OPW appointed Engineering and Environmental Consultants to complete the design of the Scheme, which will provide protection to 309 residential and commercial properties when complete. The Government has committed funding to support the delivery of flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan to 2030.
The Scheme is currently at Stage I, which covers the scheme development and design. Surveys and assessments are ongoing by the consultants in support of preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report which has commenced.
As part of the consultation process for the Scheme, and in order to raise awareness of the proposed flood mitigation works, a Public Consultation Day was held on 5th March 2020. A further Public Consultation to discuss the emerging options for the Scheme took place in Q1 2024. It is anticipated that the Statutory Public Exhibition for the Scheme will commence in Q4 2026 and for the scheme to be submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for statutory confirmation in Q3 2027. Subject to planning consent, construction of the scheme, including measures for Station Road and Sarsfield Road, is scheduled to commence in Q3 2028.
