The OPW, on behalf of the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group, intends to commission a Project in the lower River Shannon and Mulkear catchment in Q4 2021.
The driver for this project is to increase the capacity of the Old River Shannon to help reduce fluvial flooding at lower magnitude events.
Project Objective 1: identify feasible options for the management of sediment and vegetation to prevent further reduction in, and if possible increase, conveyance and/or channel capacity of the Old Shannon between Clareville Water Treatment Plant and St Thomas Island
Project Objective 2: identify opportunities to bring wider benefits to the Project Area, e.g. environmental, water quality, amenity
The Office of Public Works South West Region Arterial Drainage Maintenance & Construction division oversees approx 54km of estuarine embankments (including sluices) in County Clare, Ireland, along the banks of the Owenogarney River and the northern banks of the Shannon Estuary
Locations of sluices listed in following tender doc
Cork County Council, acting as Agents for the OPW commissioned Arup in association with JBA Consulting to develop a Flood Relief Scheme for Glanmire/Sallybrook
The Glashaboy river flood relief scheme is designed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to protect 82 homes and 30 commercial properties in the Glanmire area.
The scheme extends over approximately 4km of the Glashaboy and its tributaries, including 0.5km of the Butlerstown stream, approximately 1.8.km of the Glenmore stream, and short lower reaches of other tributaries.
Works will include the construction of new flood defence walls (reinforced concrete and precast elements), embankments, reconstruction of existing bridges, new reinforced concrete culverts, pumping stations, drainage and utility diversions, hard and soft landscaping and other associated works.
The planning application is for a proposed flood relief scheme on the Carrowbeg River located at the Cois Abhainn and Ashwood Glade housing estates in Westport, Co. Mayo.
The key components of the proposed works include the following: -Demolition and removal of existing external steps. -Construction of a flood relief wall. -Construction of a flood relief embankment. -New pedestrian access tracks, including drainage
The proposed wall will be 65m in length, will extend to a height of 1.7 metres above ground level, and will be set back approximately 6m from the Carrowbeg River embankment.
A 180m long earthen embankment, 1.2m in height, will be constructed between the housing estate at Ashwood glade and the Carrowbeg River (approximately 50m south of the proposed wall). This embankment will be set back a minimum of 9m from the river
The flood relief wall will typically be constructed as follows: -Precast Concrete piles or steel sheet piles will be driven into Made Ground/alluvium to bedrock or a suitable depth to support design loads. -High tensile steel reinforcement will be fixed in accordance with the designer’s drawings & schedules. -Formwork will be erected around the steel cage. -Concrete will be placed using a concrete pump and compacted using vibrating pokers to the levels and profile indicated on the drawings. -Upon completion of the concreting works the wall will be covered and allowed to cure -Excavated soils will be stockpiled for off-site disposal/recovery at an appropriately licensed facility
The flood relief embankment will typically be constructed as follows: -The embankments will be constructed by stripping the topsoil within the embankment footprint and placing low permeability clay soils to the required flood defence level. -Imported clay soils will be clean and from a known and reputable source. The imported soil will be chemically suitable and free from propagules of aggressive weeds and foreign objects. -Topsoil will be placed on top of the embankment and seeded. -Excavated soils will be disposed/recovered off-site at an appropriately licensed facility
There is no information available with the Part 8 application that indicates that the proposed development will not impact on properties downstream
Submissions
There is no clear rational as to why one area will receive a wall and the other an embankment.
I do not wish a scheme to be constructed that will send the flooding problem elsewhere along the Carrowbeg River i.e. to existing properties that have been built long before Ashwood/Cois Ahhainn. Did the planning application for these developments not investigate potential flood risk in the first instance and mitigation proposals, and if so, have these not worked? If that is the case then I would suggest that there may be serious further risks of flooding should any additional development be permitted along this river. I note that the Convent grounds are being proposed for housing. This again will aggravate the problem due to concretion runoff.
Note: appears that local authority have given permission for more houses on this flood plain
Mayo County Council Planning Application Reference Number: 19442
CONSTRUCT 16 TERRACED 2 STOREY HOUSES IN TWO BLOCKS A & B. THESE WILL REPLACE 18 DUPLEX/APARTMENT BUILDINGS PREVIOUSLY GRANTED UNDER P04/48 AND 10 TERRACED UNITS PERMITTED UNDER P12/24, ALSO REVISIONS TO INTERNAL ACCESS, PARKING, LANDSCAPING, FOOTPATHS AND ALL ANCILLARY SITE WORKS
Ballinasloe Flood Relief Scheme Site Investigation Works
AA Screening Determination Statement – Site Investigation Works for Ballinasloe Flood Relief Scheme – November 2021
In accordance with Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) and Regulation 42(1) of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 as amended, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has undertaken Appropriate Assessment screening to assess, in view of best scientific knowledge and the conservation objectives of the European Sites, if the project, individually or in combination with other plans or projects is likely to have a significant effect on a European Site(s).Download
Corrib
AA Determination Statement – Corrib-Clare Bridge Replacement B1_C3-12 on the Corrib Arterial Drainage Scheme – July 2021
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Natura Impact Statement – Bridge replacement Corrib-Clare B1 C3/12
The proposed project is part of the maintenance of the Arterial Drainage Scheme, required as part of maintenance activities under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. However, the proposed activities go beyond the scope of standard activities considered in the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme NIS therefore require separate assessment.Download
AA Determination Statement – Corrib-Clare Bridge Replacement B2_C3-4 on the Corrib Arterial Drainage Scheme – July 2021
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Natura Impact Statement – Bridge replacement Corrib-Clare B2 C3-4
The proposed project is part of the maintenance of the Arterial Drainage Scheme, required as part of maintenance activities under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. However, the proposed activities go beyond the scope of standard activities considered in the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme NIS therefore require separate assessment.Download
AA Determination Statement – Corrib-Headford Bridge Replacement UB5_C34 on the Corrib Arterial Drainage Scheme – August 2021
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Natura Impact Statement – Bridge Replacement UB5 Corrib-Headford C34
The proposed project is part of the maintenance of the Arterial Drainage Scheme, required as part of maintenance activities under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. However, the proposed activities go beyond the scope of standard activities considered in the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme NIS therefore require separate assessment.Download
AA Determination Statement – Corrib-Mask Bridge Replacement B1_CM5-9-1-1 on the Corrib Arterial Drainage Scheme – July 2021
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Natura Impact Statement – Bridge Replacement Corrib-Mask B1 CM5/9/1/1
The proposed project is part of the maintenance of the Arterial Drainage Scheme, required as part of maintenance activities under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. However, the proposed activities go beyond the scope of standard activities considered in the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme NIS therefore require separate assessment.Download
Feale
Carroll’s Bridge Apron Repairs
AA Determination Statement – Carrolls Bridge Apron Repairs, Listowel – August 2021
This Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is provided for the public and relevant bodies to establish that an AA has been conducted in relation to proposed apron repair works at Carroll’s Bridge (Racecourse Bridge) at Listowel, Co. Kerry, in accordance with relevant regulations.Download
Natura Impact Statement – Carrolls Bridge Apron Repairs, Listowel
The proposed project is part of the maintenance of the Arterial Drainage Scheme, required as part of maintenance activities under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. However, the proposed activities go beyond the scope of standard activities considered in the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme NIS therefore require separate assessment.Download
Listowel Bank Slippage. Tree and Scrub Removal. Phase 1 Documentation.
AA and Natura Impact Statement – River Feale Tree and Scrub Removal, Listowel
The proposed project is part of the maintenance of the Arterial Drainage Scheme, required as part of maintenance activities under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. However, the proposed activities go beyond the scope of standard activities considered in the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme NIS therefore require separate assessment.Download
AA Determination Statement – River Feale Tree and Scrub Removal, Listowel – January 2021
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Listowel Bank Slippage. Bank Repair Works. Phase 2 Documentation.
AA and Natura Impact Statement – River Feale Bank Slippage, Listowel
Bank Repairs Works – Feale River, Listowel, Co Kerry.Download
AA Determination Statement – River Feale Bank Slippage, Listowel – June 2021
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Killimor / Cappagh
AA Determination Statement – Killimor Bridges Extension and Repair and Embankment E1 Refurbishment – July 2021
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Natura Impact Statement – Killimor Bridges Extension and Repair and Embankment E1 Refurbishment
The proposed project is part of the maintenance of the Arterial Drainage Scheme, required as part of maintenance activities under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. However, the proposed activities go beyond the scope of standard activities considered in the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme NIS therefore require separate assessment.Download
Maine
AA Determination Statement – River Maine Sluices SL47, SL143 & SL144 Replacement – July 2021
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Natura Impact Statement – River Maine Sluices SL47, SL143 & SL144 Replacement
The proposed project is part of the maintenance of the Arterial Drainage Scheme, required as part of maintenance activities under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. However, the proposed activities go beyond the scope of standard activities considered in the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme NIS therefore require separate assessment.Download
Moy
AA Determination Statement – Moy Bridge Replacement UB1_C46 on the Moy Arterial Drainage Scheme – August 2021
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Natura Impact Statement – Bridge Replacement Moy UB1 C1/46
The proposed project is part of the maintenance of the Arterial Drainage Scheme, required as part of maintenance activities under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. However, the proposed activities go beyond the scope of standard activities considered in the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme NIS therefore require separate assessment.Download
AA Determination Statement – Moy Bridge Replacement UB0_C1-42 on the Moy Arterial Drainage Scheme – August 2021
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determinationDownload
Natura Impact Statement – Bridge Replacement Moy UB0 C1/42
The proposed project is part of the maintenance of the Arterial Drainage Scheme, required as part of maintenance activities under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. However, the proposed activities go beyond the scope of standard activities considered in the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme NIS therefore require separate assessment.Download
Mulkear Ballymakeogh
AA Determination Statement – Maintenance to Flood Defence Embankments, Ballymakeogh, Newport, Tipperary – September 2021
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Natura Impact Statement – Maintenance to Flood Defence Embankments, Ballymakeogh, Newport, Tipperary
MKO has been appointed to prepare a Natura Impact Statement to allow the competent authority to conduct an Appropriate Assessment of remediation and bank enhancement works at Ballymakeogh, Newport Co. Tipperary.Download
Shannon Town Flood Relief Scheme Ground Investigation Works
AA Determination Statement – Ground Investigation Works for Shannon Town Flood Relief Scheme – April 2021
Pursuant to Regulation 42(11) of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulation 2011 (as amended), The Office of Public Works, as a Public Authority, has conducted an Appropriate Assessment (AA) of the proposed Ground Investigation (GI) works as part of the Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme, Co. Clare. The purpose of this Determination Statement is to allow interested parties to assess the Public Authority determination.Download
Natura Impact Statement – Ground Investigation Works for Shannon Town Flood Relief Scheme
RPS Consulting Engineers have been commissioned to assist in the delivery of the Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme (FRS). The objective of this project is the identification, design and submission (for planning consent) of a Flood Scheme, that is technically, socially, environmentally and economically acceptable, to alleviate the risk of flooding to the Community of Shannon to a determined Standard of Protection, and to procure, manage and oversee the construction of that Scheme.Download
Appropriate Assessments are conducted by the OPW themselves, after the works are completed.
Examples from 2019/2020 show they can involved removal of trees, gravel and other in-stream works
As the list of projects is not published in advance, there is no opportunity for community engagement, or an actual environmental assessment.
Examples:
Appropriate Assessment Determination Statement – Sluice Valve Replacement on River Shannon, Tervoe, Mungret, Co. Limerick
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Appropriate Assessment Determination Statement – Removal of a Gravel Berm from the River Feale in Listowel, Kerry
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Appropriate Assessment Determination Statement – Enhancement Works of Defence Embankments on the Cappagh River, Portumna, Galway
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Appropriate Assessment Determination Statement – Enhancement Works of an Embankment on Newport River, Ballymakeogh, Tipperary
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Appropriate Assessment Determination Statement – Embankment Enhancement Works at Douglas, Killorglin, Kerry
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Appropriate Assessment Determination Statement – De-Silting Works at Adare Bridge, Blackabbey, Adare, Limerick
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
AA Determination Statement – Moy River Deel Tree Management
The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determination Statement is to provide a statement for the public and relevant bodies to ascertain that an AA has been conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. The purpose is to allow interested parties to assess the competent authority determination.Download
Note: AIE submitted on list of projects planned for 2022
Under the AIE regulations, to request details on completed and planned projects by the OPW that fall within the phrase ‘Appropriate Assessment Determination Statements‘ for 2021 and 2022
FOI of previous FOIs from Roscommon CoCo FOI Disclosure Log
Copy of record sought previously under FOI 946 i.e. Flood Analysis Report (5th March 2021) prepared by Malachy Walsh and Partners.
Schedule of Records in respect of FOI 1171 which provides a summary and overview of my decision on this request. This schedule describes each of the 10 records that were relevant to the request and highlights whether access to each of these records was fully or part granted.
Records released on foot of FOI 1171. Access was fully granted to all 10 records with the exception of records numbered 2 and 8. Access to the redacted parts of records numbered 2 and 8 was refused under Section 37(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 on the grounds that access to these parts of the records would involve the disclosure of personal information.
In relation to record numbered 2, the redacted parts concern material contained on pages 5 and 6 and within appendices 5 and 7 of the External Safety and Health Prequalification Questionnaire for Duty Holder Role; Roscommon County Council – Project Lough Funshinagh, Rahara, Co. Roscommon. This information is considered personal as it related to individual employee training records. In relation to record numbered 8 the redacted parts concern personal information relating to third party submissions.
Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM) are multi-functional measures that aim to protect water resources and address waterrelated challenges by restoring or maintaining ecosystems as well as natural features and characteristics of water bodies using natural means and processes.
Typical NWRM include riparian woodlands, agricultural and upland drainage modifications, non-floodplain wetlands, instream structures (e.g. large woody debris), and offline storage ponds.
It has been demonstrated that NWRM improve water quality and can be effective at reducing flooding in small catchments for frequent floods, that is, in catchments less than 10km2 and for floods with a one in ten chance of occurring in any given year. NWRM also achieve multiple benefits beyond water quality and flood risk reduction, including habitat creation, climate regulation, and the provision of amenity.
Office of Public Works (OPW) will spend almost €105 million on flood relief schemes around Ireland next year.
The office, responsible for the maintenance of State-owned property, heritage and other areas, is due to begin and complete work on some flood relief schemes next year.
Budget 2022 provides an increase to the cash earmarked for this work of €15.1 million to €96 million, documents show. The Government has pledged a further €8.7 million for plant and other machinery needed to complete the projects.
The OPW will bring six major schemes that will provide flood protection to more than 3,900 properties when they are finished. It is due to complete three others meant to protect 820 properties.
It addition, the OPW will continue to provide cash to local authorities for minor flood-mitigation work under a scheme established for this purpose.
