Progress sought to alleviate flooding from River Sullane
CONCERNS of residents in Baile Mhúirne and Baile Mhic Íre about the risk of flooding from the River Sullane were raised in the Dáil by Fianna Fáil Deputy Aindrias Moynihan.
“The residents need to see progress on the scheme,” he said. “There was an exhibition in 2011 and designs were to be advanced during 2014. The questions about freshwater pearl mussels were addressed last year, yet there does not seem to be a plan in place.
“What is the up-to-date position, “he asked the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform. “How soon will the much-needed scheme advance towards construction and when will residents in Baile Mhúirne and Baile Mhic Íre have peace of mind regarding the risk of flooding?”
In response, Minister Paschal Donohoe said he was advised by am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the Baile Mhúirne and Ballymakeera scheme is at outline design stage, on which the preferred options for the scheme are being finalised.
“The River Sullane has a history of containing freshwater pearl mussels which have protected status as an Annex II listed species under the EU Habitats Directive,” he said.
“An environmental survey was carried out to establish the status of the population and the likely impact of works. Given the impact the proposed works could have on the freshwater pearl mussel population, a solution to avoid damage was illustrated and submitted to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The submission was approved, allowing the scheme preparations to progress to site investigations where the results will inform the preferred options for the scheme.”
He said tenders have been received for a site investigation contractor, with the contract expected to be placed in June 2017, or this month. “It is proposed to hold a second public information day, followed by a public exhibition of the preferred scheme this year,” he added.